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| RNZAF No. 3 Squadron Former Assignments No. 2 Squadron  David Gillis 1969  Ray Fairfield 1972  M Claringbould 1977  Alfred Kirkland, 1997  Bill Lusty 2006 |
Pilot Flight-Lieutenant Frederick N. R. Thomas, DFC (survived) Co-Pilot Flying Officer G. Shank (survived) Crew Warrant Officer G. Millar (survived) Crew Sergeant R. Budd (survived) Force Landed September 9, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed as model 237-27-01 in Burbank. Constructors Number 237-5535. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PV-1 Ventura bureau number 34645. Disassembled and shipped to Oahu then across the Pacific to New Zealand as part of defense aid. Wartime History On August 10, 1943 assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as Ventura NZ4522 and reassembled by Unit 12 at Ohakea Airfield. During September 1943, assigned to No. 2 Squadron at Ohakea Airfield. No known nickname or nose art. Ferried northward via Espiritu Santo and Guadalcanal. Next assigned to No. 3 Squadron based at Piva North Airfield on Bougainville. Mission History On September 9, 1944 took off from Piva North Airfield on Bougainville piloted by FlLt Frederick N. R. Thomas on a mission against Rabaul. Over the target, hit in the starboard engine by anti-aircraft fire. Thomas flew westward and force landed at Talasea Airfield without any crew injuries. Fates of the Crew Afterwards, the entire crew were flown back to Piva North Airfield and returned to duty. Thomas earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his sucessful force landing. Wreckage The Ventura was abandoned at Talasea Airfield and striped for usable parts. No repairs were attempted because the runway at Talasea Airfield was too short to attempt a take off. During 1972-1973 parts were recovered from this Ventura and shipped to New Zealand and used in the restoration of RB-34 Ventura NZ4600 at Museum of Transportation and Technology (MoTaT). Relatives Ann Riley (daughter of Thomas) "He was decorated with an immediate award for this landing." References Navy Serial Number Search Results - PV-1 Ventura 34645 ADF Serials - Ventura NZ4522 Lockheed PV-1 Ventura / RB-34 Lexington - NZ4522 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated June 29, 2024 |
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