A solemn service and plaque unveiling honoured eight aircrew lost during WWII in Papua New Guinea.
On Saturday, 5 October 2024, a commemorative service was held at RAAF Base Point Cook to honour the eight aircrew members of RAAF No 100 Squadron who perished during a mission in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in September 1943. The service, attended by dignitaries, family representatives, and members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), included the unveiling of a memorial plaque in memory of the airmen from Beaufort aircraft A9-186 and A9-374.
The ceremony commenced at the Holy Trinity Chapel at 2 p.m., following a planned flypast between 1:50 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The flypast, a symbolic tribute to the fallen aircrew, faced potential change or cancellation due to weather conditions, but it proceeded as planned, marking a solemn and fitting beginning to the service.
Both Beauforts were lost in action over PNG, with A9-186’s wreckage found submerged in 43 metres of water in late 2020, 1.4 kilometres southwest of Gasmata airfield, East New Britain. A formal investigation in February 2022 confirmed the identity of the aircraft. Beaufort A9-374 was located in early 2023, resting in 16 metres of water, 2.9 kilometres west of Gasmata airfield, and its identity was confirmed in January 2024.
The recovery and identification of the aircraft were made possible through missions sponsored by Dr Andrew Forrest from Fortescue Metals Group and the Minderoo Foundation, with full backing from the PNG Government. The families of the lost aircrew expressed their deep gratitude for the efforts made to locate and identify their loved ones after so many years.
Wreaths were laid by family members and dignitaries during the emotional service, paying respects to the brave airmen who gave their lives in service to their country during World War II.
