This documentary was shot prior to the 1994 eruption of Vulcan volcano in Rabaul, this special explores the underwater wrecks from World War II on land, and underwater in Papua New Guinea. It explores several wrecks in detail in the Milne Bay area, and the history of the air war in the Pacific, and interviews with veterans.

Wight Documentary Team
Narrated by the brother & sister documentary team: Andrew and Fiona Wight, the video explores wreckage in the jungles and sea floor, including many of the famous war wrecks of New Guinea. Included are the Zero in Rabaul Harbor, wrecks of Milne Bay, including a Hudson A16-245 and P-38H 42-66869 in the sea, and a C-47 on land. A range of veteran and historians add historical perspective to the explorations, and the history of the battles in the air during WWII.

Locating RAAF pilot Alen Whetters' P-40
After visiting several impressive wrecks in the Milne Bay area, the team searches for one particular aircraft: P-40E Kittyhawk A29-110, that ditched on a reef during the Battle of Milne Bay, but has never been found. The documentary shows their search, and finally, their success in locating the Warhawk wreck, and exploring it. By research and confirmation from the wreck site, the identify the former pilot, Alen Whetters, of the famous RAAF 75th Squadron, and share their findings with him, and present the control stick from his former airplane. This is a fascinating and touching story and true aviation archeology.

This documentary is an exciting work of historical research, SCUBA diving exploration and reuniting one veteran with with his former aircraft, thus solving one mystery of WWII history.

Interview with Andrew Wight

Review by  Justin Taylan

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018