Search for WWII pilots in PNG unsuccessful

13/10/2008 20:13:59

A search of the wreckage of an Royal Australian Air Force bomber shot down in World War II in Papua New Guinea has failed to uncover the remains of its crew members.

PNG correspondent Steve Marshall reports an RAAF investigation team spent a week at the wreck site on an isolated mountain ridge on New Britain Island.

The team discovered dog tags, watches, pocket knives and an engraved pen but no human remains.

Assistant defence minister, Warren Snowdon, said the air force made every effort to account for the airman but the harsh climate and passage of time meant the prospect of locating remains was slim.

The relatives of the four crew members have been advised of the search results and the recovered items will be returned to them.

The Hudson bomber was shot down by Japanese fighters in a raid on shipping in Gasmata Harbour on February 11, 1942.

The crew members lost were Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant Arthur Quail.

The Hudson bomber was found by local missionary Mark Reichman in May on the advice of local villagers.

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