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| RAAF No. 78 Squadron |
Pilot F/O Eugene Haydn Weber, 404864 (KIA, BR) Rockhampton, QLD Crashed March 3, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Curtiss. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-40N-5-CU Warhawk serial number 42-105740. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia. Wartime History During September 1943 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as P-40 Kittyhawk serial number A29-537 to 15 Aircraft Repair Depot (15 ARD) reserve pool. On January 28, 1944 assigned to No. 78 Squadron and delivered. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On March 3, 1944 took off piloted by F/O Eugene Haydn Weber leading "yellow section" on a mission to strafe barges off the north coast of New Guinea. When the Kittyhawks began strafing barges in Uligan Harbor, they encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire that damaged several planes. This P-40 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire in the starboard wing causing it to explode before crashing into shallow water. When this plane failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Weber was the first No. 78 Squadron pilot killed in action. For his actions, Weber was mentioned in dispatches: "On the 2nd March, 1944, as a member of No 78 I/F Squadron, Flying Officer WEBER was engaged in a barge strafing operation and had just destroyed at least two barges in a small harbour when exceptionally heavy and accurate barrage fire was directed at his section from a concealed battery on the shore, damaging several aircraft. Instead of taking avoiding action, he at once diverted his attention to this battery and pressed home his attack at very close range. He succeeded in scoring hits on the battery which consisted of at least six Bofors and eight light anti-aircraft guns before he was shot down and crashed into the gun emplacement he had been attacking. Flying Officer Weber had 99 hours of operational flying and had participated in 35 sorties including 30 strikes. He had at all times displayed great courage and an outstandingly aggressive spirit whilst engaged in active operations against the enemy." Memorials Weber was officially declared dead the day of the mission. After his remains were recovered from the crash site, he was permanently buried at Lae War Cemetery at L. A. 11. Wreckage Postwar, the wreckage of this P-40 was first identified by a RAAF Search Team and remains recovered and noted "wreckage recovered" meaning, the plane was located or identified. In the 1990s, Brian Bennett visited the wreckage which included a wing section with the .50 caliber machine guns still in place. References Note, wartime references incorrectly state the loss location as Kronprinz Harbor. RAAF Service Record (NAA: A9300, WEBER E H) USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-40N-5-CU Warhawk 42-105740 "105740 to RAAF as A29-537 Sep 1943. Shot down by AAA Kronprinz Harbour. [sic] Pilot KIA." CWGC - Eugene Haydn Weber ADF Serials - Kittyhawk A29-537 RAAF Survey of Aircraft Wreckage, Papua and New Guinea page ? "#369 | Lat 04.30 Long 145.25 | Ulingan | RAAF Kittyhawk A29-537 | Wreckage recovered" 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 August 16, 2024 |
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