TO     :         Commanding Officer R.A.A.F. Station East Sale.

DATE :       1JAN.49

REF

INVESTIGATION OF REPORT OF CRASHED AIRCRAFT.

1.                                Accompanied by F/L W.R. FITTER and Cpl. HIRST E. I visited the scene of the reported aircraft crash near WALHALLA. The crash occured about 200 ft. from the top of a high unnamed peak (estimated height 2500') which rises from the south side of the A'BERFELDIE River valley at the A'BERFELDIE RIVER BRIDGE.

2.                                On inspection the aircraft was found to be a P40-E "KITTYHAWK". It was equipped with six BROWNING .5 Machine guns and carried an apparent full load of ammunition, A belly tank Part No. 75-45-433-50 Order No. W535 AC15802 Capacity 52 U.S. Galls. had been attached and was found about 15 yards from the crash. The tank showed no indication of fire although badly crushed and is presumed to have been empty.

3.                             From the position of the wreckage on the Southern side of the peak it is considered that the aircraft struck the ground heading in a N.E. direction, and was in a steep dive of about 45 degrees at the time of impact, at not an excessive speed, and with some power on. This opinion is based on the fact that the aircraft concertined on striking the ground burying the nose to a depth of only about four feet in loosely matted earth and sandstone rock - very little wreckage being scattered more than a few yards from the point of impact. One airscrew blade was visible and had a slight forward bend and was still attached to the boss on the engine. Fire had broken out but had been confined to the centre section and engine. All ammunition on the port side had been exploded but most of the starboard side was intact. No salvage of value is possible.

4.                                The few remaining bones of the pilot were removed from the ash, no identity discs were found but are possibly still in the ash which could not be thoroughly sieved owing to the heavy rain during the investigation. Several part plates were removed from various parts of the aircraft and are attached. The engine specification plate bearing the following numbers Air Corps or Bureau Model V-1710-39, Air Corps or Bureau No. AC41-36209, and Manufacturers No. 5842 was found in the ash of the centre section.

5.                                All live ammunition was buried and the Pilot's remains taken to R.A.A.F Station East Sale. The certificate of Burial is also attached.

6.                                A sketch showing the position of the wreckage is also attached.

7.                                The wreckage was originally discovered on 29Dec.48 by Mr. Daniel Vere FINLAY of 47 Belmont Rd. IVANHOE and reported to 1st. Constable HABERNAN J. of ERICA Police. The investigating party also included inspector ALLEN of WARRAGUL, 1st Constable COCKERELL C. and Constable GREGG, Mr T.H. BROWN Justice of the Peace of GOULD and members of a fishing party on the ABERFELDIE River.

G.C. McGilvray               
..............................               
G.C. McGilvray F/L.               

COPY.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Office U.S. Air Attache,
      414 Collins Street,
            MELBOURNE. Vict/.

1st. April, 1943.            

SUBJECT.    Remains of Captain Joseph E. McLaughlin.

TO.              Headquarters, R.A.A.F.,
                   Victoria Barracks,
                   MELBOURNE. S.C. 1.

1.          With reference to your radioes to Headquarters, U.S. Army, Pacific, dated 4th January and 7th January 1949, concerning the wreckage of a P-40-E aircraft discovered in the vicinity of Walhalla, the U.S. quartermaster General has indicated that the skeletal fragments recovered from this wreckage are believed to be the remains of Capt. Joseph E. McLaughlin, and wishes to negotiate for the return of these remains to Honolulu, T.H., for laboratory examinations for the purpose of identification.

2.          Information is requested as to the following :‑

(a)  What is the present location of the remains;

(b)  Can these remains be casketed in a simple temporary container complying with health and shipping instructions;

(c)  Can these casketed remains be made available for shipment to Hawaii at the expense of the U.S. Government;

(d)  What local governmental regulations and procedures should be complied with in this matter and what expenses will be involved other than transportation.

3.          It would be appreciated if this office could be advised concerning the requested information at your earliest convenience in order that we may notify the U.S. Quartermaster General.

                                  F.W. GILLESPIE
                                  Colonel. USAF.
                                  Air Attache.