458 Sqn, RAAF

[andy wis]

Hello Forumites
I wonder if anyone can help. I am researching 458 Sqn aircraft losses in the ME. Two particular aircraft are LB142 and LB169, which, according to the AM Form 78, were lost on 14 April and 29 April 1943 respectively - no comment on either appears in the squadron ORB’s. Does any one have any information on these two losses, ie causes, crew etc
many Thanks
AndyWis

[alieneyes]

Andy,

Circumstantial report for the loss of Wellington LB169 states the aircraft took off from Luqa at 2015 hrs on the 29th.

Aircraft was dispatched on a shipping search of western Sicily. At 0223 hrs a weather report was received from the aircraft at base. Aircraft failed to return. No further information available.

Crew:

R101306 F/Sgt RM Westman RCAF (pilot)
R105554 Sgt NA Stelter RCAF (2nd pilot)
R111309 Sgt GAD Cameron RCAF (nav)
R86232 Sgt JR Grasley RCAF (WO/Ag)
R84883 Sgt GI Banks RCAF (WO/Ag)
A405168 Sgt RD Armour RAAF (WO/Ag)

Regards,

Dave

[andy wis]

Thank you for that, Dave��