|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| RAF No. 54 Squadron Former assignments RAAF 1 AD 1 RSU 14 ARD 7 RSU  RAAF June 1943 |
Pilot P/O A. E. Featherstone (survived) Crashed April 7, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Supermarine in the United Kingdom. Assigned to the Royal Air Force (RAF) as Spitfire Mark Vc serial number JG795. Disassembled and loaded aboard SS Austral Star and shipped overseas to Australia during March 1943. Wartime History Assigned to the Royal (RAAF) as Spitfire Mark Vc serial number A58-174. On March 11, 1943 reassembled by 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On May 1, 1943 to 1 Repair Salvage Unit (1 RSU). On May 13, 1943 assigned to RAF No. 54 Squadron based in Australia. Coded DL-H. Nicknamed "Butch III". On June 20, 1943 took off from Darwin Field piloted by F/O A. Hughes as one of 46 Spitfires that scrambled intercept Japanese air raid (Raid No. 55) approaching Darwin. Climbing to the Japanese formation at 27,000', this Spitfire intercepted a pair of Ki-49 Helens then dove on a "Zeke" [Ki-43 Oscar] and after this attack the engine seized. Pilot Hughes was forced to disengage and glide towards Darwin and landed on the beach at Lee Point. Pilot Hughes was unhurt in the landing. On June 29, 1943 although partially submerged by the tide, successfully recovered by 14 ARD. Afterwards, repaired to flying status. On March 11, 1944 returned to No. 54 Squadron. On April 7, 1944 during take off from Wyndham Airfield piloted by P/O A. E. Featherstone the engine failed causing the aircraft to crash at the end of the runway and crashed, somersaulting the plane upside down. During the crash, Featherstone was slightly injured. Afterwards, transfered to 7 RSU. On May 16, 1944 converted to components and written off. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References ADF Serials - Spitfire A58-174 NAA "AMSE Approval per File 9/16/1557" Japanese Army Raid by Richard Dunn Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 21, 2023 |
 Spitfire |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
