Another bomber found
The wreck of an Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Martin 187 “Baltimore” bomber lost in WWII has been found in the Aegean in 61 meter-deep water after 82 years.
They were returning from a photo-reconnaissance mission December 3, 1943, when they were attacked by two Messerschmidt Bf-109 fighters and shot down. Three of the multinational crew (one English navigator, one New Zealand NZAF gunner and one RAAF gunner) were killed. The RAAF pilot, William Alroy Hugh Horsley, survived, and spent the rest of the war in German captivity.
After his release, Mr Horsley described how they had been returning from their mission when they were attacked by two Messerschmitt Bf 109s.
“The Me-109s delivered seven attacks, during which the aircraft was set on fire in the port wing,” he later wrote. “The intercommunications systems were destroyed, and Pilot Officer Walker and Warrant Officer Gartside were wounded – extent unknown.”
A rough landing at sea followed. “When I regained consciousness, the aircraft was submerged at the nose, and sea water was up to my neck. I released my safety harness, stood up and the aircraft submerged under me.
“I swam over the spot where the aircraft submerged, but no one else left the aircraft, which sank in deep water about 300 yards from the northern shore of Antikythera. I then swam to shore in full sight of the spot until picked up by some fishermen.”
Leslie Row, the navigator, was from Kent. In a sadly ironic twist:
Category: Aussies, UK, We Remember, WWII
RIP Gentlemen
(slow salute)
I believe that aircraft is now a grave site.
Rest ye well, my brothers-in-arms.
A Salute to these Gentlemen for their Service and Sacrifice. Kinda ballsy to fly a recon mission with more cameras than guns. One Me-109 is challenge enough…hard to defend against two of them. Rest Easy, Gentlemen, your found aircraft is your Headstone.
Another Salute to the ones that are still working to “Account for them all.” Every Fallen Service Member deserves, at the very least, a Marked Resting Place.
Thank you, Gentlemen, may you Rest in Peace.
The plane sank because it was loaded with 4 massive brass balls. It would have sunk quicker had the third set remained in the cockpit. Not meant to be funny, only said with deep respect! Rest in Peace warriors and thank you for your service!
Rest in Peace, sirs.