The wreck of RAAF Baltimore FW282 in the Aegean Sea. Photo: AegeanTec/Department of Defence.
A memorial service is to be held for a WWII RAAF light bomber that was discovered in the waters of Greece last year.
The wreck of the Baltimore (registered FW282) was discovered resting in 61 metres of water off the island of Antikythera in Greece last July, the RAAF says.
The 454 Squadron aircraft, with a crew of four, went missing during a mission in December 1943. Onboard were pilot Flight Lieutenant William Horsley (RAAF), navigator Leslie Row (RAF) and wireless operators/air gunners Pilot Officer Colin William Walker (RAAF) and Warrant Officer John Gartside (RNZAF).
Only Horseley made it to shore.
According to a RAAF statement, Greek diving group AegeanTec, which specialises in exploring deep-water wrecks, found the aircraft.
Believing it to be a RAAF aircraft, AegeanTec contacted the RAAF which confirmed the wreck as FW282 in December.
“This aircraft discovery is significant and offers the chance to provide closure to families,” says RAAF Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
A Martin Baltimore. Photo: Department of Defence
“The efforts of groups such as AegeanTec are critical for us in accounting for those 3143 Australian aviators with no known grave from the Second World War and the Korean conflict.”
RAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, said the discovery highlights the long ties between the RAF, RAAF and RNZAF.
“It’s an honour to acknowledge the bravery of the multinational crew; this was a generation who embodied the importance of service and comradeship,” he says.
“Their efforts were the base on which the RAF continues to maintain the security of the UK at home and abroad,” Air Chief Marshal Knighton said.
“Their sense of duty inspires future generations of all of our air forces.”
RNZAF Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, emphasised that New Zealand was very grateful to AegeanTec.
“I hope will bring some sense of closure for the families. The sacrifice of this brave crew has long been remembered, especially by their families, and we can now honour their final resting-place with the respect they deserve,” he says.
The RAAF says that after talks with the other two air forces, no further recovery attempt will be made at the site but a memorial service will be held.
FINAL MISSION
FW282 was returning from a mission over the Aegean Sea on December 3, 1943, and forced down when it was heavily damaged by German fighters.
The RAAF says pilot Flight Lieutenant Horsley was knocked unconscious but awoke as water filled the cockpit.
After he swam to the surface and realised he was alone, he swam to shore and was handed over to the Germans.
Horsley spent the rest of the war as a prisoner in Germany.
ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT
The Martin Baltimore were built for maritime reconnaissance and light bomber roles.
They were used in the Middle East and Italy during WWII.
The 14.7-m long aircraft had twin 1600hp engines had a maximum speed of 496km/h, a maximum range of 4507km, seven guns and carry up to 908kg of bombs.
Source: aeropedia.com.au
RAAF Baltimore FW282 at rest in the Aegean Sea. Photo: AegeanTec/Department of Defence.
