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| RNZAF No. 25 Squadron Former Assignments USMC MAG-14  Phil Treweek 1998 |
Pilot F/O Alexander Moore, 416523 (MIA / KIA) Otago, NZ Gunner F/Sgt John K. Munro, 417229 (MIA / KIA) Auckland, NZ Crashed February 11, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Constructors Number 1858. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as SBD-4 Dauntless bureau number 06953. Wartime History Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to Marine Air Group 14 (MAG 14). During December 1943 transfered to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as Dauntless serial number NZ5037. On December 26, 1943 assigned to No. 25 Squadron on Espiritu Santo. Mission History On February 11, 1944 took off from Bomber 1 Airfield (Pallikulo Field) on Espiritu Santo piloted by F/O Alexander Moore with gunner F/Sgt John Keith Munro on a radio familiarization flight. The aircraft went missing in the cloud covered hills around the area and despite extensive searches the wreckage was not found. Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are memorialized at Bourail New Zealand War Cemetery (Bourail War Cemetery) on the Bourail Memorial. Moore on panel 4. Munro on panel 6. Wreckage During 1987, the crash site of this aircraft was located roughly 50km from Pallikulo. No trace of the crew was found in the wreckage. Salvage During 1998, this aircraft was recovered by RNZAF 3 Squadron and transported to New Zealand. Display This SBD is displayed at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum in a diorama display unrestored as it crashed. References Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated April 19, 2021 |
 SBD MIA 2 Missing |
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