Background
Arthur Edward Quail was born September 8, 1920 in Warren, Queensland and grew up in Biloela, Queensland and worked in a clerical position in Biloela and was not married. On November 8, 1940 he joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with service number 404748.
Relatives
Gloria Woodward (step-niece)
"Communication was not easy then. Gran lived in Biloela and our family lived in Rockhampton. I do believe this mission was his first and only. For quite a while the family thought he could be found alive and well, but as time passed realized this was not going to happen. I read a paragraph in our local newspaper asking for any relatives of A. E. Quail to contact the Defense Department and they then contancted me with the website and information. Amazement and disbelief that he could be found after 66 years, wonderful that anyone was still looking.
If anything is found, I think it should remain in peace. Definately brings closure. To see that wreck and know that was where he is was wonderful, it does bring peace. I wish Gran and Mum could have had that feeling.
I maybe would consider a trip for a memorial service. He was a very outgoing, fun loving person. My memory of him are of lots of laughs and fun.
This photo was in our local paper at Rockhampton. Arthur was a lovely young man - to me growing up then he was quite old, but I now realize that he was only 22 when killed. I am now 80. My only wish is that mum and gran could have had this closure. It is amazing to me how they have perservered in finding these relics. I visited Horn Island some time ago and saw quite a few of these wrecks scattered through the jungle and wondered about them.
Arthur Edward Quail was my mother's younger step brother. I knew him well as we spent a lot of time together growing up. I wrote to him throughout the war. He had a twin brother whom the family had lost touch with, but through this finding of the plane his son has been located. It has been a wonderful closure for our family I do have a very old photo of him.
The Australian Air Force has been contacted and heve been most helpful. A family member has been located and hopefully reunited with this branch. It is a wonderful feeling to know and actually see where he is. 66 years is a long time to wonder. A great pity his mum and my mum are not alive to know this.
My brother in law is an aAmerican who served with the 41st Infantry Division and was stationed in Rockhanmpton. His name is Jack Q. Fleming. He was instrumental in preserving St. Christopher's Chapel, built by Americans during the war.
References
WW2 Nominal Roll - Arthur Edward Quail, 404748
CWGC - Frank Leslie Oliver Thorn
