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| RAAF No. 452 Squadron Former assignments 1 AD 7 AD |
Pilot P/O Willie E. Nichterlein, 416104 (MIA / KIA) Hamilton, VIC Crashed June 20, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Supermarine in the United Kingdom. Assigned to the Royal Air Force (RAF) as Spitfire Mark Vc serial number EE607. Disassembled and loaded aboard SS Sussex as cargo and shipped overseas to Australia arriving November 28, 1942. Wartime History During February 1943 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Spitfire Mark Vc serial number A58-107. On February 16, 1943 reassembled by 1 Air Depot (1 AD) and the next day transfered to 7 Air Depot (7 AD). On March 31, 1943 assigned No. 452 Squadron with coded QY-A. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On June 20, 1943 took off from Darwin piloted by P/O Willie E. Nichterlein as one of 46 Spitfires from 1 Fighter Wing (1 FW), Troppo White Section, "B" flight on a mission to intercept Japanese air raid number 55 against Darwin. Climbing to 24,000', the Japanese formation of Ki-48 Lilys escorted by A6M Zeros was intercepted roughly 10 miles north of Cape Hotham near Verden Island. After the Spitfire's initial attack, this aircraft was never seen again and was reported as Missing In Action (MIA). Possibly, crashed into the sea. Officially written off June 28, 1943. During November 1943 administratively assigned RAAF serial number A58-2 (this serial number was never applied to the aircraft). Search RAAF Searcher Brief states: "Lost as a result of interception of enemy fighters at position 10 miles South West of Cape Gambier, Melville Island. Aircraft not seen after his section's initial attack and it is thought that it came down in the sea northwest of Adam Bay in Van Dieman Gulf". Memorials Nichterlein was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized at Adelaide River War Cemetery Northern Territory Memorial on panel 7. References WW2 Nominal Roll - WW2 Nominal Roll - Willie Everard Nichterlein, 416104 ADF Serials - Spitfire A58-107 CWGC -Willie Everard Nichterlein National Archives Australia "AMSE Approval to write off Spitfire A58-107" (NAA 9/16/899) 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 June 19, 2022 |
 Spitfire  MIA 1 Missing |
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