CRASH LANDING OF A MARTIN JM-1 MARAUDER
OF MARINE UTILITY SQUADRON TWO, US NAVY
AT MACKAY AIRFIELD, NORTH QLD
IN SEPTEMBER 1944

 

In September 1944, Martin JM-1 Marauder, Bureau Number 66607, of Marine Utility Squadron Two (Command) crashed on landing at Mackay Airfield in north Queensland as a result of a brake system failure and running out of runway. There was no injury to personnel and the aircraft was recommended to the Commander Aircraft Seventh Fleet (Logistics Section) for striking and salvage for parts. The engines were preserved and shipped to A.S.D. Espiritu Santo for overhaul.

Detachment "A" at Brisbane of Marine Utility Squadron Two flew cross country flights to Mackay in October 1944 to transport personnel and parts to assist in the salvage operations of JM-1 66607.

 


Photo:- Sgt. Thomas Leslie Hayes (37466) via Nigel Vormister

 Martin JM-1 Marauder, Bureau Number 66607 at Mackay

 


Photo:- Sgt. Thomas Leslie Hayes (37466) via Nigel Vormister

 Martin JM-1 Marauder, Bureau Number 66607 at Mackay

 


Photo:- Sgt. Thomas Leslie Hayes (37466) via Nigel Vormister

Inspecting the damage after the forced landing at Mackay

 

A typical JM-1 aircraft in its chrome yellow paint scheme

 

NOTE:- The book referenced below by Douglas E. Campbell, shows this JM-1 crash happening in Pityilu on 31 October 1944, which appears to be incorrect as the above information is based on the official War Diary entry for Marine Utility Squadron Two which can be viewed at the link below.

 

REFERENCES

"U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft Lost during World War II - Listed by Aircraft Type - Volume III" - page 354
By Douglas E. Campbell, Ph. D.

"Utility Squadron Two War Diary for the Month of September 1944" on FOLD3

"Utility Squadron Two War Diary for the Month of October 1944" on FOLD3

 

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

 

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This page first produced 7 October 2019

This page last updated 18 June 2023