Australia’s War Diary

50 Years Ago. . .

January I-Burma. During a reconnaissance over the Chindwin, F/O Allan Haley of 155 Squadron RAF is killed . when his Mohawk is shot down by ground fire.

Britain. Violent and widespread gales during this month inhibit both sides. Neither U-boats nor Coastal command aircraft accomplish much, although a U-boat pack severely mauls a convoy bound from Trinidad to Gibraltar, seven out of nine tankers being sunk. For 10 Squadron the only highlight occurs when F/O Kerv Beeton in Sunderland W4004/RB-Z finds the inward-bound German blockade runner,Rhakotis(6753 tons). He then locates cruiser HMS Scylla, which is also searching for this ship. By laying a line of smoke floats, he guides Scylla to within 12 miles of Rhakotis, which is sunk by gun fire. January 2-New Guinea. Allied troops storm Japanese posts at Buna but fighting continues around Sanananda.

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