CRASH OF AN AVRO ANSON
AT LAKES ENTRANCE, VIC
ON 12 MAY 1943

On 12 May 1943, RAAF Avro Anson AX425 from GRS (General Reconnaissance School) Bairnsdale made a forced landing at Lakes Entrance in Victoria after an engine failure. The pilot was Pilot Officer David Bryan Frith Strachan (401862). Other crew members were Sgt. Norman Darcey Wilson (417538), Sgt. Bruce Moller (410999) and Sgt Kelvin Alexander John Yuille (4586).

22 Repair and Salvage Unit RAAF were sent from Werribee to salvage the Anson. This was the first salvage operation for the newly formed group. The salvage party was led by  Flight Lieutenant Coles.

Photo:- "Gippsland Aviation Accidents" Facebook Group

Avro Anson AX425

Photo:- "Gippsland Aviation Accidents" Facebook Group

Avro Anson AX425

Photo:- "Gippsland Aviation Accidents" Facebook Group

Possibly members of 22 Repair and Salvage Unit RAAF

REFERENCES

"Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History"
Volume 7 - Maintenance Units

"Gippsland Aviation Accidents" Facebook Group

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Maurice Kissane for his assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 16 July 2000

This page last updated 13 May 2026