|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| RAAF No. 4 Squadron Former Assignments No. 21 Squadron 2 AD No. 22 Squadron No. 23 Squadron |
Pilot F/Lt Arthur Kenneth Dineen, 400972 (survived) Thornbury, VIC Gunner Sgt Lawrence Leslie Winter, 28395 (MIA / KIA / BR) Collinswood, SA Crashed December 11, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Constructors Number 49. On March 18, 1940 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as CA-3 Wirraway serial number A20-51. Wartime History Assigned to No. 21 Squadron based in Malaya. No known nickname or nose art. On October 15, 1941 damaged at Seletar Airfield. Afterwards, disassembled and loaded aboard ship and transported to Australia on November 25, 1941. This aircraft was one of only four Far East Wirraways that escaped Malaya. On December 16, 1941 arrives at 2 Air Depot (2 AD) and repaired. On March 2, 1942. assigned to No. 22 Squadron. On June 1, 1942 assigned to No. 23 Squadron. On October 23, 1942 assigned to No. 4 Squadron. Wartime History On December 11, 1942 took off from Berry Drome (12 Mile) near Port Moresby on a bombing mission against Buna. Missing between Port Moresby and Buna and failed to return. Pilot Dineen bailed out over the Owen Stanley Mountains and while descending, he thought he saw his gunner also parachute. Also lost was Wirraway A-20-485 (MIA). Fates of the Pilot Dineen parachuted safely to the ground. He was later found by natives who brought him to Nauro on the Kokoda Trail and was transported to Port Moresby. Wreckage This Wirraway crashed near Munuma to the west of the Kokoda Trail. Recovery of Remains Afterwards, the remains of Winter were located and recovered. Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Winter was officially declared dead the day of the mission. After the recovery of Winter's remains, he was permanently buried at Bomana War Cemetery at B2, F, 23. References No. 4 Squadron Operations Record Book (ORB) - December 18, 1943 (NAA: A9186, 12) (Page 143) "18/12/42 – Signal received from Station Commander, NAURO, advising: - F/O A. K. DINEEN brought in by natives; gun shot wound right foot; He had arranged transport out; F/O A. K. DINEEN and No. 28395 Sgt. WINTER L. L. had bailed out from A20-51 on 11th. December, 1942, approximately five (5) miles west of The Gap [Kokoda Gap]; F/Sgt WINTER still missing - natives search has been sent." RAAF Casualty Card - Wirraway A20-51 "Body of Sgt Winter has been recovered" (footnote without date) CWGC - Lawrence Leslie Winter World War Two Nominal Roll - Arthur Kenneth Dineen ADF Serials - Wirraway A20-51 RAAFDB - CAC CA-3 Wirraway A20-51 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 January 11, 2024 |
 Wirraway  MIA 1 Missing Resolved |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
