CRASH OF A VENTURA
BETWEEN NORFOLK ISLAND AND GUADALCANAL
ON 29 OCTOBER 1944

On 29 October 1944, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Ventura, #4624, was travelling from Gisborne to Guadalcanal via Whenupai, Norfolk Island and Pallikulo. 

The Ventura took off from Norfolk Island at about 1220 hrs on 29 October 1944. It started to have engine trouble about 3 3/4 hours into the flight. 

The Ventura w as part of a second echelon of six aircraft. Starboard engine lost power, was restarted then lost power and would not restart. Five minutes later the port engine failed and refused to restart. The aircraft ditched about 90 miles ENE of Etafe Island. Four picked up by USN Liberty Ship "Jaguar" but another four died. 

The pilot was P/O A.C. Hawkins. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank John Wilson for his assistance with this home page.

REFERENCE BOOKS

The book "For Your Tomorrow" by Erroll Martyn, Vol 2 page 289 (1999, Volplane Press), gives the date for this crash as 28 October 1944.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 26 December 2001

This page last updated 25 January 2020