|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| RAAF No. 452 Squadron |
Pilot SqnLdr Raymond Edward Thorold-Smith, 402144 (MIA / KIA, BR) Sydney, NSW Crashed March 15, 1943 Pilot History Raymond Edward Thorold-Smith was born on June 30, 1918. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during May 1940 and was commissioned on March 17, 1941. Assigned to 452 Squadron on April 21, 1941. On August 9, 1941 he was credited with a half victory for a Bf-109 shot down along with Sqn Ldr Paddy Finucane. Claimed two two more Bf-109s on August 27, 1941. Promoted to a Flight Lieutenant and became the commander of "A" flight and awarded the DFC on November 22, 1941. Promoted to Squadron Leader, on March 18, 1942 he became the Commanding Officer (C. O.) of No. 452 Squadron. After he death March 15, 1943, replaced by S/Ldr MacDonald on March 30, 1943. Aircraft History Built by Supermarine. Delivered during October 1942. Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number BS231. Disassembled and shipped overseas as cargo aboard the on SS Teak arriving in Australia on November 14, 1942. Wartime History Assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Spitfire Mark Vc and retained the RAF serial number BS231, it was not issued an RAAF serial number until retroactively assigned RAAF seraial number A58-92 in November 1943. On October 26, 1942 to 2 Air Depot (2 AD) and three days later to 1 FW. On November 14, 1942 assigned to No. 452 Squadron with code "D". This Spitfire operated from Strauss Field south of Darwin. On March 14, 1943 one of four Spitfires from 452 Squadron took off on a night flying training mission and landed at Darwin Airfield and overnighted. When lost, engine number 91465. Mission History On March 15, 1943 one of four Spitfires that took off from Darwin Airfield at 10:30am on a flight bound for their base at Strauss Field. Instead, they were instructed to in intercept Japanese fighters and bombers bound for Darwin. and formed up with twelve other Spitfires from 54 Squadron, RAF The formation was led by Thorold-Smith and climbed to seach for the enemy aircraft. At approximately 17,000' two aircraft from Thorold-Smith's section had to drop out due to lack of oxygen. At 20,000' Thorold-Smith's section sighted a formation of 20 bombers and 22 fighters at roughly 21,000' 7-10 miles northwest of Darwin. Climbing alongside the formation unitl 500' above the bombers, Thorold-Smith ordered the Spitfires to attack the bombers but were intercepted by the Zeros flying close escort. Thirty seconds into the attack, a single smoking Spitfire was observed turning to the west towards Darwin by pilots from No. 54 Squadron. F/O A Goldsmith saw also a Spitfire smoking in a dive over Point Charles. The following day, 5 FCS reported sighting a crash eight miles from Flagstaff Hill. This aircraft failed to return and was shot down by enemy aircraft and crashed into the sea into the west arm of Darwin Harbor. Search That afternoon, searches in the area that afternoon had nil results. Wreckage This aircraft is located in the west arm of Darwin Harbor off Darwin. The wreckage is underwater for all but the lowest tide levels. Over the years, a number of items were salvaged from the wreckage, but none are on display. During November 1943 this Spitfire was retroactively assigned a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) serial number A58-92. Bob Alford adds: "In late 1983 I was asked to join them on an investigation of wreckage in Darwin Harbour more as a RAAF Armourer as there was derelict ammunition associated with it. As it transpired, after considerable research, it was confirmed as being the wreckage of SqnLdr Ray Thorold-Smith's Spitfire Mk Vc A58-92 which had disappeared on 15 March 1943. I feel quite pleased at being able to have been a part of that and to have been able to confirm its identity." Part of this aircraft is displayed at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Memorials Thorold-Smith was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized on the Northern Territory Memorial, panel 6 at Darwin. On May 11, 1943, Drysdale Airfield (Drysdale Mission Airfield) was renamed Thorold Strip" in honor of Squadron Leader Thorold-Smith. References ADF Serials - Spitfire A58-92 Oz@War - Crash of a Spitfire into the seas off Point Charles on 15 March 1943 CWGC - Raymond Edward Thorold-Smith Thanks to Daniel Leahy, Bob Alford and Silvano Jung 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 18, 2024 |
 Spitfire  MIA 1 Missing  4m–7.4m |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
