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| RAAF No. 23 Squadron |
Pilot F/O Noel George Burnell, RAAF 409289 (MIA / KIA) Ivanhoe, VIC Navigator Captain William Phillip Watson, AIF NX112723 (MIA / KIA) Cremorne, NSW Crashed February 24, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Vultee in Los Angeles. This aircraft was built as a model 72, line number 96 under contract number AC24664. Constructor Number 4163. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as A-31-NO Vengeance serial number 41-????? (last five digits unknown). Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number AF810. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia as part of defense aid. Wartime History On August 19, 1943 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Vengeance Mark II serial number A27-275. Assigned to 1 Air Depot (1AD) and reassembled. On November 26, 1943 assigned to No. 23 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On February 24, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloted by F/O Noel G. Burnell as one of twelve Vengeance dive bombers on a mission to attack anti-aircraft positions around Hansa Bay. The bombers were escorted by twelve P-40N Kittyhawks. Over the target, this aircraft was apparently hit by anti-aircraft fire and was seen in a vertical dive before crashing approximately 300 yards from the shore. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost returning from the mission was Vengeagce A27-276 pilot McDonald (MIA / POW). Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are memorialized at Lae War Cemetery on the Lae Memorial. Burnell on panel 6. Watson on panel 1. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - A-31-NO Vengeance ADF Serials - Vengeance A27-275 CWGC - Noel George Burnell CWGC - William Phillip Watson 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 5, 2023 |
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