Pilot S/L Daniel Kerr Matthews, 407004 (KIA, BR) Payneham, SA
Observer F/O William Harold Sebastion, 1247 (KIA, BR) Prahran, VIC
Crashed September 16, 1943
Aircraft History
Built by Commonwealth Aircraft
Corporation (CAC). Constructor Number 116.
Wartime History
On October 13, 1940 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as CA-5 Wirraway serial number A20-116. The same day assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On November 4, 1940 assigned to 23 Squadron. On July 25, 1943 assigned to School of Army Cooperation (SAC).
Mission History
On September 16, 1943 took off on a photographic mission over the coast near Batemans Bay and crashed near Merricumbene, to the west of Moruya in NSW. Afterwards, approved for conversion to parts and salvaged.
Wreckage
During 1980, the crash site was visited by Robert Piper, Ed Plenty and Greg Williams. To this day, some wreckage is still located at the site.
Memorials
Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. After the recovery of remains, both crew were buried at Canberra (Woden) Public Cemetery. Matthews at R.S.L. Plot. Row D. Grave 14. Sebastion R.S.L. Plot. Row D. Grave 12.
References
ADF Serials - Wirraway A20-116
CWGC - Daniel Kerr Matthews
CWGC -
William Harold Sebastion
RAAF News "Search among the peaks" July 1980
Thanks to
Robert Piper and Greg Williams for additional information
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Last Updated
April 19, 2021
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