|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USN USS Hancock CV-19 VT-7  USN 1944 |
Pilot Lt(jg) Richard C. Scobell, O-250948 (MIA / KIA, BR) Rochester, NY Gunner AOM1c John F. Gelnaw, Jr. (MIA / KIA, BR) Lakewood, OH Radio ARM3c William P. Walton, 6456765 (MIA / KIA, BR) Talco, TX Crashed January 16, 1945 Aircraft History Built by General Motors Corporation and assembled by Eastern Aircraft Division. Delivered to the United States Navy (USN) as TBM-1C Avenger bureau number 73428. Wartime History Assigned to the USS Hancock (CV-19) to Torpedo Bombing Squadron Seven (VT-7). Squadron Number unknown (three digits). No known nickname or nose art. The left side of the nose is the squadron motif of a donkey in a circle. Below the cockpit were bomb markings indicating missions flown. Mission History On January 16, 1945 took off from USS Hancock (CV-19) piloted by Lt(jg) Richard C. Scobell armed with a single 2,000 pound bomb on strike against Japanese ships anchored in Victoria Harbor (Kowloon Docks) off Hong Kong. Flying to the target at 13,000', this Avenger was leading the second section. Over Mount Parker, the formation began their attack and was targeted by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Trying to evade the barrage, TBM Avenger 73343 collided with this Avenger causing it to crash. When this plane failed to return it was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost was TBM Avenger 73343 pilot Lt(jg) Richard Lee Hunt, Jr. (POW/MIA). Wreckage The crash site was discovered in Tai Tam Country Park by Craig Mitchell. He founded "Project Avenger" to further investigate the crash site, including Dr Mick Atha, adjunct professor at Chinese University. Recovery of Remains Postwar, the remains of the crew were recovered and transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials The entire crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. On January 7, 1950 Scobell, Gelnaw Walton plus Gahran and Barrow (crew from TBM Avenger 73343) were buried in a group burial at Keokuk National Cemetery at plot D, grave 20. Scobell also has a memorial marker at Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, NY. References George Gerrard diary, January 16, 1945: "We saw 8 planes in one formation and 5 in another just behind. They appeared like silver bullets in the sky when suddenly we saw the left hand plane in the first formation swing over to the right and strike his companion. A terrific sheet of flame shot out and the first plane came lurching down, but the pilot bailed out and then the second plane made a big effort to get under control but to no avail, the fellow jumped but was caught in his incline and eventually crashed in the region of Mount Parker, also a wing came slowly to the ground." Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBM-1C Avenger 73438 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List January 1945 TBM 73438 also lists TBM Avenger 46458 pilot Scobell [sic 73438] Interment in the Keokuk National Cemetery Card - William P. Walton January 7, 1950 FindAGrave - Lieut Richard C Scobell (photo, memorial marker photo) FindAGrave - LTJG Richard Cassebeer Scobell (group burial photo) FindAGrave - John Franklin Gelnaw (group burial photo) FindAGrave - William P Walton (group burial photo, cemetery Interment card) South China Morning Post "Sifting through the remnants of war / Discovery of US plane wreck sheds light on one of Hong Kong's darkest days" by John Carney May 19, 2013, updated 2015 South China Morning Post "Remains of US airmen killed in 1945 crash 'could still be on Hong Kong hillside'" by Stuart Heaver January 10, 2015 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 8, 2023 |
 Avenger |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
