S/Ldr William A. "Pedro" Pedrina
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot Hudson A16-36

Background
William Allan Pedrina was born on May 20, 1919 in Hamilton, Victoria. Nicknamed "Pedro". On January 17, 1938 enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with serial number 264 at Point Cook Airfield.

Wartime History
On February 11, 1942 piloted Hudson A16-103 on the first mast height attack against two Japanese shipping off Gasmata. Over the target, intercepted by A5M4 Claudes shot down the other two bombers: Hudson A16-91 and Hudson A16-126. His gunner claimed a Japanese fighter shot down plus a probable. In fact, none were lost or damaged.

On February 19, 1942 piloted Hudson A16-103 with a crew from No. 24 Squadron on a reconnaissance mission over Rabaul. Over Arawe, intercepted by two Japanese fighters and claimed to shot down. Damaged by enemy aircraft and hit by gunfire that killed W/AG Sgt Francis Charles Narriner, 401044 who died of wounds. Also injured was P/O Edwin Rockings, 21121 who suffered slight powered burns.

Afterwards, his unit flew reconnaissance from Horn Island plus some evacuation work from Wau.

Mission History
O December 15, 1942 he flew three sorties from 5 Mile Drome (Ward) to air drop supplies to Soputa. Despite clouds, at 2:25pm took off piloting Hudson A16-36 on a fourth ammo supply run when shot down and killed in the crash.

Memorials
Pedrina was officially declared dead the day of the mission. After the crash, his remains were recovered and buried. Later, they he was permanently buried at Bomana War Cemetery at section A6 row E grave 20.

References
WW2 Nominal Roll - William Allan Pedrina, 264
CWGC - William Allan Pedrina
FindAGrave - Squadron Leader William Allan Pedrina (grave photo)

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