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  CA-7 Wirraway Serial Number A20-179  
RAAF
No. 24 Squadron

Pilot  F/O John C. Lowe, 402662 (MIA / KIA) Scone, NSW
Observer  Sgt Clive A. Ashford, 3210 (MIA / KIA) Enfield, NSW

MIA  January 20, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Constructor Number 179.

Wartime History
Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as CA-7 Wirraway serial number A20-179. Assigned to No. 24 Squadron based at Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. No known nose art or nickname.

Mission History
On January 20, 1942 took off from Vunakanau Airfield to intercept incoming Japanese air raid. After take off, intercepted by A6M2 Zeros and shot down in flames.

Memorials
Both crew members were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are commemorated at the Bitapaka (Bita Paka) War Cemetery on the Rabaul Memorial. Lowe on panel 34. Ashford on panel 36.

References
CWGC - John Cameron Lowe
CWGC - Clive Albert Ashford
ADF Serials - Wirraway A20-179
RAAF DB - Wirraway A20-179
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
June 11, 2024

Tech Info
Wirraway

MIA
MIA
2 Missing
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