Warbirds #393 | RAAF WWII bomber found after 80 years

Warbirds, classic aircraft, museum and airshow news

RAAF WWII bomber found after 80 years

After 81 years, a missing Royal Australian Air Force Beaufort Mark VIII bomber has finally been recovered, and its four Australian crew positively identified. The Department of Aircraft Production (DAP)-built aircraft, serial number A9-186, was performing a bombing mission in Gasmata, Papua New Guinea in 1943 when it was reported missing.

The four crew members served as part of the RAAF 100 Squadron, a bomber and maritime patrol squadron during the war years. Their names were revealed as Warrant Officer Clement Batstone Wiggins, Warrant Officer Russell Henry Grigg, Flight Sergeant Gordon Lewis Hamilton, and Flight Sergeant Albert Beckett.

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