CRASH OF A BRISTOL BEAUFORT
AT BAIRNSDALE, VIC
1 FEBRUARY 1943

Bristol Beaufort

On 1 February 1943, RAAF Mark VA Bristol Beaufort A9-155 of No. 1 OTU RAAF took off from Bairnsdale airfield at about 0725/L hours for Gunnery Practice.

At 0730/L hours, the aircraft was located 3 to 4 miles south west of the airfield. It was seen to turn to the left which became progressively steeper until the aircraft stalled and spun into the ground from a low altitude about 1 mile south west of the airfield. The crew were all killed. They were as follows:-

Sgt. William Holden White 406892 (Pilot)
Sgt. Reuben Henry Bates - Brownsford 416241 (Observer)
Sgt. Gordon Clyde Lloyd 412984 (W.A.G.)
Sgt. Thomas Henry Straker 412041 (W.A.G.)

This aircraft was originally delivered to the RAAF in October 1942.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I'd like to thank Rick Hanning for his assistance with this web page.

I'd also like to thank Adrian Cass for his assistance with this web page. Sgt. Reuben Henry Bates - Brownsford was Adrian's grandmother's brother.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 10 March 2000

This page last updated 22 February 2020