CRASH OF A VENTURA INTO THE SEA OF BRENNER ISLAND, NEAR GOVE, NT ON 27 JANUARY 1945

On 27 January 1945, RAAF Ventura, A59-56, ex Bu. 34754, c/n 5644, of 13 Squadron RAAF, crashed into the sea and was destroyed off Brenner Island, near Gove in the Northern Territory. The aircraft had been taking part in a gunnery exercise. A glassy sea caused the pilot to misjudge his height. A Catalina from No. 42 Squadron RAAF, located three survivors as follows:-

• F/O P.W. Clarkson (pilot)
• W/O G.R. Murdoch
• W/O G.F. Cathro

They were then taken back to Melville Bay by a Crash Launch. Those killed were:-

• Flt. Lt. E.L. Calder
• W/O E.C. Peacock
• F/Sgt L.H. Ames

The pilot F/O P.W. Clarkson eventually died from his injuries the following day - 28 January 1945. Refer RAAF Accident Report No: 514 of 1944/45 This aircraft was originally received by the RAAF at 2AD on 21 September 1943. It was then received into 13 Squadron RAAF and given the Code SF-T on 1 October 1943. It was finally "Written off Strength" on 18 February 1945.

REFERENCE BOOKS "Lockheed Ventura in Australia : Deliveries - Uses - Fates" Information compiled by Bert Cookson, Geoff Goodall and others and edited for Newsletter by John Hopton.