The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed that a World War II Australian bomber and the remains of two of its crew have been identified after being shot down in 1943 off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
The discovery of Beaufort bomber A9-186, part of an ongoing search by Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest for his uncle, Flying Officer David Forrest, who went missing in action during the war, has brought closure to some of the families involved.
Flying Officer David Forrest, aged 22, was lost along with his crew when they were on a nocturnal mission to bomb a Japanese airstrip near Gasmata. Four months later, A9-186, piloted by another crew, was downed by anti-aircraft fire over the same location.
Two years of persistent search efforts led by Steve Burnell culminated in the identification of A9-186. An aircraft identity plate, preserved by the mud and thus protected from corrosion, was key to idendifying the plane.
Warrant Officer Clement Batstone Wiggins, 28, and Warrant Officer Russell Henry Grigg, 34, were identified by DNA analysis of bone fragments. Unfortunately, efforts have ceased to locate remains of the other two crew members, Flight Sgt. Albert Beckett and Flight Sgt. Gordon Lewis Hamilton.
A memorial service is scheduled for the families at RAAF Base Amberley, and the identified artifacts have been repatriated to Australia. The remainder of the wreckage has been left at the site off New Britain’s coast.
Andrew Forrest has communicated with the families of the crew from A9-186 and expressed his continued commitment to finding his uncle and the rest of his crew. He also recounted his father’s wish to hold his brother’s dog tags, a wish that remained unfulfilled when he passed away the previous year.
The search team, undeterred by the challenges of locating planes over eight decades old, continues to scour the region with hopes of identifying the last missing RAAF Beaufort bombers.
FAQ Section
- When was the Beaufort bomber A9-186 shot down?
- The Beaufort bomber A9-186 was shot down approximately four months after Flying Officer David Forrest went missing in May 1943.
- How were the remains of the crew members identified?
- The remains were identified through DNA testing of bone fragments found at the crash site.
- Will there be a memorial service for the identified crew members?
- Yes, a memorial service for their families is planned to be held at RAAF Base Amberley on April 26th.
- What has Andrew Forrest’s reaction been to the discovery?
- Andrew Forrest expressed his gratitude that the families of the crew of A9-186 now have closure, and he reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the search for his uncle and his crew.
- What are the challenges faced in identifying WWII aircraft wrecks?
- The primary challenges include dealing with low visibility underwater, the presence of saltwater crocodiles, and significant corrosion of materials after decades in saltwater.
Conclusion
The identification of Beaufort bomber A9-186 and the remains of its crew members provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II, and the enduring commitment to honoring those who serve. The perseverance of the search teams and the support of the Papua New Guinea government have helped bring some measure of peace to the families of the lost airmen. While the search continues for others still missing, these efforts underscore the lasting bonds of service and remembrance that connect past and present generations.