CRASH ON AN AVRO ANSON
AT PIGEON HOUSE MOUNTAIN
NEAR ULLADULLA, NSW
ON 9 SEPTEMBER 1943

At approximately 0730 hours on 9 September 1943, Avro Anson AW799 of 73 Squadron RAAF was reported missing along with its crew of three during a travel flight from Nowra to Moruya. The crew details were as follows:-

F/Sgt. Charles Duncan Robertson (406733) (Pilot)
F/Sgt. Douglas Vernon Higgins (400655)
F/Sgt. Keith Albert Richards (413664)

The wreckage was found on Pigeon House Mountain near Brooman, New South Wales and all crew members had died in the crash. One depth charge carried by the aircraft became detached after impact with the trees and exploded. The explosion may have been caused by incorrect fusing.

The pilot was returning to Nowra after abandoning his flight to Moruya and was flying too low in cloud.

NAA Photo

Approximate location of crash site

NAA Photo

Wreckage on the side of Pigeon House Mountain

NAA Photo

Wreckage on the side of Pigeon House Mountain

NAA Photo

Wreckage on the side of Pigeon House Mountain

NAA Photo

Wreckage on the side of Pigeon House Mountain

Subject:   A9-566
Date:           Sun, 28 Nov 1999 20:55:29 -0800
From:          "Doug Lee" <douglee@acay.com.au>

Yes Sharp & crew weren't found, also 2 ground staff travelling with them. Don't ask me to remember their names. Its a long time ago.

Yes spent a few weeks in Townsville before heading north, did anti sub patrol.

The only other crashes I had close encounters with were an Anson from 73 squadron at Nowra that flew into Pigeon House Mountain late 43.

Also the two Beauforts that flew into each other at Jervis Bay from 8 OTU.

Also we lost a Beaufort out of Menangle Park, lost an engine on take off & feathered the wrong airscrew.

The others at Sale & Bairnsdale are well documented.

Regards
Doug Lee

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

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This page first produced20 January 2015

This page last updated 16 September 2020