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| RNZAF No. 16 Squadron Former Assignments No. 15 Squadron   RNZAF Sept 20, 1945 |
Pilot Flight Sergeant Alec Wallace Teschner, 439269 (KIA / BR) Knapdale, Southland, NZ Crashed September 20, 1945 at 10:40am Aircraft History Built by Vought. Constructors number 5928. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F4U-1D Corsair bureau number 57105. As part of lend-lease, shipped aboard USS Grand Mesa departing the United Sates on July 24 1944 bound for the South Pacific (SOPAC) as part of defense aid. Wartime History Assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as F4U Corsair serial number NZ5418. Tail code "418" (last three digits of the serial number). On August 11, 1944 reassembled by Unit 60 on Espiritu Santo. On November 9, 1944 assigned to No. 15 Squadron. During September 1944 assigned to No. 16 Squadron coded 418 (last three digits of U.S. Navy bureau number). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On September 20, 1945 took off from Jacquinot Bay Airfield piloted by Flight Sergeant Alec W. Teschner on a patrol over Rabaul. At 10:40am this Corsair struck trees, stalled then dived vertically into the ground near Vunakanau Airfield killing the pilot on impact. This aircraft was officially written off the books at Jacquinot Bay. Wreckage Immediately afterwards, this crash site was photographed by the RNZAF. Recovery of Remains The same day as the crash, the remains of the pilot were recovered from the crash and buried locally. Later, transported to New Caledonia for permenent burial. Memorials Teschner was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Hi is buried at Bourail New Zealand War Cemetery at 6. 14. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F4U-1D Corsair 57092 "57105 (MSN 5928) to New Zealand as NZ5418" ADF Serials NZ Serials - F4U Corsair NZ5418 CWGC - Alec Wallace Teschner Auckland Memorial Online Cenotaph - Alec Wallace Teschner (photo, grave photo) Thanks to Edward Rogers for crash site photographs Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated July 6, 2024 |
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