CRASH OF A KITTYHAWK
ON BATHURST ISLAND
ON 25 APRIL 1942

visits since 23 December 2001

A Japanese air raid on Darwin on 25 April 1942 was intercepted by Curtiss P-40's of the USAAC 49th Pursuit Group. One of the flight leaders, Lieutenant Sims, succeeded in shooting down a Japanese bomber, but a shot out oil line forced him to land on Bathurst Island. When he didn't return from this mission, 12 Squadron RAAF helped the Americans to mount a search for the aircraft. It was eventually located on Bathurst Island the next day and Pilot Officer Humphrey de Crespigney flew out to Bathurst Island with a USAAC mechanic and returned Lieutenant Sims to his base at Adelaide River.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Manuscript History of 12 Squadron RAAF

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This page first produced 25 July 1999

This page last updated 23 December 2001