Crash on Magpie StationPrint Page

The plaque on a propellor blade commemorates the Australian and United States of American personnel who were killed in the crash of an American DC3 transport aeroplane in November 1943 on Magpie Station.

The wreck was discovered by Mr Fred Smith on Magpie Station.  It was dismantled by himself and Ted McLean and the propeller blade was donated to the club.

C-47-DL, Dakota, #41-18648, Directorate of Air Transport radio call sign VHCGC, "Star Duster", of the 21 Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Transport Group, was lost on its final leg from Ward's airfield in New Guinea to Archerfield via Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton on 21 November 1943. It took on 6,700 pounds of cargo in Townsville and mail in Rockhampton. After leaving Rockhampton at 1147K hours, headed for Brisbane, the aircraft disappeared without trace.

The wreckage was located on 21 June 1948 in the Monto area, 65 miles west of Bundaberg at 24.55S by 151.20E by stockman, Mr. F. A. Smith. A total of 13 personnel were killed in this crash. The wreckage was found about six miles north of a property known as Magpie Station in a steep gully between two high hills, in timbered country. Mr. Smith reported the find to Monto Police. The wreckage was identified by an RAAF search officer.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the aircraft had probably disintegrated in mid-air due to turbulent weather. There had a been a severe fire on the ground in the vicinity of the main wreckage. The starboard wing and engine were initially not found. The starboard mainplane and both elevators were eventually located about 1 km from the fuselage. The starboard motor was located 300 to 400 yards from the main wreckage. As there was no damage to nearby trees it was determined that this engine had come adrift in mid air.

The crew were buried at Bundaberg War Cemetery. The American crew consisted of:- 
Ist Lt. Victor Noah Gibson, pilot
Lt. Michael L. Reitman, co-pilot
S/Sgt. Everett Louis "Bussie" Ahmann, aerial engineer
Cpl. John F. Giugno (or Guigno), radio operator
American passengers
Technician 5th Grade Albert E. Peglow, Jr (from Bay City, Bay County, Michigan)
T/Sgt. Thomas G. Cucciaro
Australian Passengers
A/Sgt. Hugh John McClean (Australian Army NX151913 - HQ Moresby Base Sub Area), Sgt. Philip Ernest Nicholls (Australian Army SX6040 (Accounts Office QLD L of C), Gunner Thomas Layton Vinecombe (Australian Army VX37247 - 2/3 Composite Anti Aircraft regiment), Sgt. Jack Ernest Kerr (Australian Army NX125184 - 165 General Transport Company), Sgt. Albert William Lawrence (Australian Army WX16521 - 2/4 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment RAA),F/O Frank McLaurin Bartlett (RAAF 265197 - 25 Operational Base Unit). LAC Hector Richard Hore (RAAF 126243 - 20 Squadron)

https://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld58.htm
 

Location

Details

Dedication