A19-1 (T4920) was a MK.1c Beaufighter built by the Fairy Aviation Co. Stockport UK received by the RAAF on 20 April 1942. It arrived at 30 Squadron on 27 June 1942 and was coded "A"
CASUALTY CARD TRANSCRIPTION
[FRONT]
Buna, N.G. – 23 SEP 1942
Place of departure unknown.
MISSION – ATTACK ON BUNA.
Aircraft seen to dive towards some trees and did not reappear. Some minutes later smoke noted rising from locality in which aircraft last seen.
3/7/43 [03JUL 1943]
Search Buna area approx 1 month -
Wreckage located in mangrove swamp in Musita River, Buna. Remains recovered (individually identifiable) xxx Rundle's P47 13 September
(166/1/102 - 183a 166/1/102 - 200a)
(Report to follow)
Report Serial No.19 dated 9/9/1946 - information report crash obtained from Buna natives - cause unknown xxx xxxx as it occured during the Jap occupation & very bad xxx "bush".
Wreckage appeared to have crashed with terrific force, disintegrated and burnt on impact - some portions were in creek and others scattered in swamp. Identity of aircrew established by serial numbers. Some human remains recovered from xxx of swamp but insufficent to establish identity. Natives have since searched for more remains without success. Rundle has recommended burial as unidentifiable in 2 group graves.
Fn DIP in evidence. xxx 8/10. (see over)
[REAR]
CREW:
400212 F/Sgt Sayer, G.W. (Pilot) Reclassified Killed Air Op's. 23/9/42
35940 Sgt. Mairet, A.S. (W/Obs) Reclassified Killed Air Op's. 23/9/42
11/11 P296 9/11 from Rundle: PMO conforms remains of two members - individual identification may be possible if physical description available.
Fn reclassification killed.
21/11 Height and weight of crew mwmbers passed to Rundle for discussion with P.M.O. with view individual identification (See entries. 247, 248 + 283 in 166/1/102)
18/12. Signal advises one set remains estimated 5'11 1/2" other set inadequate top form estimate.
As both sets definately from A19-1 consider should agree accept 1st set as Mairet, 2nd set as Sayer - Nor area advised.
