420829 - Unaccounted airman - 29-8-1942 (India)

[Ross_McNeill]

The F1180 gives the following information


No.308 MU


Harvey, Ryan PT-22, #41-15299
Rowe, Ryan PT-22, #41-15311


Regards
Ross

[COL BRUGGY]

G'Day Ross,

That information is most welcome, particularly in regard to AUS400375 F/O John Heywood ROWE RAAF.

Problem is; Joe Baugher lists both of those aircraft as going to China on August 31, 1943!

Thanks Mate.

[Ross_McNeill]

Hi Col,


Looks like something is adrift.


F1180 gives both as Cat E, description of accident is practice formation, one aircraft broke away then rejoined in close proximity, both pilots took immediate avoiding action causing both aircraft to stall and spin in.


The death dates support the F1180 and the description of accident as well as the fatalities support Cat E.


Baugher date suggests that MU took 1 year to recat and repair both aircraft before onward shipping. Possible as the unit was an MU and could have used various spare sections to produce zero hour airframes which were given old serials to balance the order/delivered books.


Baugher or transcription may have got the year wrong and assumed as no further trace the aircraft had been shipped.


One for the moment to add "possibly" to the aircraft serial/deaths until proven otherwise.


Regards
Ross

[Jagan]

F1180 gives both as Cat E, description of accident is practice formation, one aircraft broke away then rejoined in close proximity, both pilots took immediate avoiding action causing both aircraft to stall and spin in.
One for the moment to add "possibly" to the aircraft serial/deaths until proven otherwise.

308 MU confirms identity of the aircraft as stated in F1180 as well as the pilots in that order. No question on the fates.

Court of INquiry done by Wg Cdr W Dougall 70187 from 221 Gp

Findings : 1) Unauthorized low flying 2) Quick Avoiding Action causing loss of control at insufficient altitude.