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| RAF No. 618 Squadron |
Pilot F/O Ernest George Bell, 54293 RAF (KIA / BR) Brewood, Staffordshire, England Navigator F/Lt Edward Brian Sillito, 129592 RAFVR (KIA / BR) Ashley Heath, Staffordshire Crashed June 19, 1945 Aircraft History Built by de Havilland Model 98 Mosquito Mark XVI. Delivered to the Royal Air Force (RAF) as serial number NS735. Disassembled and shipped to Australia. Wartime History Assigned to No. 618 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On June 19, 1945 took off from Laverton Field pilot F/O Ernest George Bell on a transit flight bound for Narromine Airfield in New South Wales. This Mosquito was seen to crash in flames approximately two miles south of Violet Town in Victoria near Benalla. Both crew were killed in the crash. Recovery of Remains After the crash, the remains of the crew were recovered. Memorials Both crew members were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are buried at the Benalla War Cemetery. Bell at plot C, row B, grave 1. Sillito at plot C, row B, grave 3. References RAF Aircraft Serial Numbers - Mosquito NS735 CWGC - Ernest George Bell CWGC - Edward Brian Sillito Australia at War - Crash of a Mosquito 1/2 mile south of Violet Town, Victoria, 19 June 1945 Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated April 10, 2024 |
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