Crash of a Lockheed Hudson possibly in Shoalwater Bay near Akens Island, Queensland on 23 July 1945

CRASH OF A LOCKHEED HUDSON
POSSIBLY IN SHOALWATER BAY,
NEAR AKENS ISLAND, QLD
ON 23 JULY 1945

On 23 July 1945 Lockheed Hudson A16-47, SU-R, of Lowood Survey Flight RAAF was lost on a travel flight between Lowood and Bowen for an inspection of detachments of Survey Flight. It was last heard of at Rockhampton. An extensive search failed to find the aircraft or any survivors.

It is believed that it possibly crashed into Shoalwater Bay near Akens Island in central Queensland. Its crew of two and five passengers were eventually presumed dead.

CREW

F/Lt. Lancelot Edward Hilmer Clarke (416567) RAAF Survey Flight - Pilot
F/O Thomas John Steel (428807) RAAF Survey Flight - Navigator

PASSENGERS

S/Ldr Nigel Minter Pilcher (260750) Commanding Officer RAAF Survey Flight
S/Ldr Cuthbert Griffin (262191) No. 14 OBU RAAF
Cpl William McPherson Gaze (38868) RAAF Survey Flight
LAC Frank George Chiverton (22955) RAAF Survey Flight
LAC Walter Henrich Nielsen (151744) RAAF Survey Flight

Their names are listed on the Sydney War Cemetery Memorial for those fallen who have no known grave.

Photo:- Gordon Birkett Collection