COLLISION OF TWO P-40 KITTYHAWKS
6 MILES SOUTH OF CAMDEN, NSW
ON 14 AUGUST 1943

Kittyhawk

On 14 August 1943 at 1400 hrs, P-40N-1 Kittyhawk A29-413 piloted by F/Lt. Robert S. Osment collided with Kittyhawk A29-405, flown by Sgt. Donald A. Smyth, at a location 6 miles due south of Camden in New South Wales during a formation flying exercise. Both aircraft were attached to 78 Squadron RAAF. The cause of the collision was stated as being due to "Carelessness and poor technique".

Both aircraft were extensively damaged. F/Lt. Osment bailed out of A29-413 which was written off. Sgt. Smyth was able to nurse his Kittyhawk back to Camden where he made a crash landing. This aircraft was repaired and went with 78 Squadron to Kirriwina Is in November 1943. Sgt. Smyth had only joined the squadron on the previous day.

F/Lt. Osment was 'B' flight commander and had been the temporary CO of 78 Squadron until that day when Sqn Ldr. Walker had arrived.

Both pilots went on to participate in the last major air battle by the RAAF in New Guinea on the 3 June 1944. Sgt Smyth is well known for the well publicized photo of him in a P-40N "Watch My Form" with 3 ground crew around. It is in just about every book on the P-40 Kittyhawk and the RAAF from around that period as well as many magazines. A movie was also made in 1944.

Both F/Lt. Osment and Sgt. Smyth were still around in March 2002 and still meet up with each other about once a year.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Gordon Clarke for his assistance with this home page.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 23 February 2002

This page last updated 27 January 2020