Neptune A89-308 50th Anniversary Memorial, Help needed to locate relatives

[Dean]

Hi all,
What began as an idea in March 2007 has now developed into a major event for 2009.

On 4 Feb 1959 a Lockheed Neptune, A89-308, suffered a catastrophic engine fire that saw a wing fail and the aircraft crash near to the banks of the Hawkesbury River, just north of RAAF Richmond.

On Wednesday 4 Feb 2009, 50 years to the day, a memorial service is being planned to commemmorate the eight men lost that day. Included in the service will be a Cataflaque and Colour Party from 11Sqn, RAAF Band from Melbourne and a 3 aircraft flypast of a AP-3C (11SQN) and the HARS, former RAAF, Neptune and Catalina.

To date contact has only been made with 3 families and help is sought to locate the 5 other families of:

Squadron Leader Geoffrey Ronald Cullen, O5830 (age 35)
husband of Wilma Cullen, father of David, Ian and Diane Cullen.

Squadron Leader Joseph Kevin McDonald, O11350 (age 42)
husband (?) of Jean McDonald.

Flying Officer Frederick John Wood O2483 (age 34)
husband of Ellen Wood, father of Stephen and Kerry-Lee.

Pilot Officer George Ivan Holmes O14395 (age 23)
possibly unmarried, brother of Del, Lyn and Beth (Elizabeth?)

Warrant Officer Vincent Joseph McCarthy A24672 (age 34)
husband (?) of Gert (Gertrude?).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[gordon]

Excuse my ignorance Dean but what is a "Cataflaque"?

Gordon

[Dean]

Hi Gordon, a Cataflaque Party is made up of about 4 uniformed members (most commonly seen on ANZAC Day) with their rifles upside down and standing with heads bowed. They are often placed around a memorial when a service is conducted.

[gordon]

Ah suitable enlightened, thanks Dean.

Gordon

[herkman]

The farmer whose land it crashed, also lost his ute and took the RAAF to court stating he had 3000 pounds its its glove box which he was going tio bank.

Believe he lost the case.

Sad story because it was believed that the pilot was trying to put it down on the flats there. His landing at the runway was delayed by a Sabre which had a cocked nose gear.

This was an airtest before the aircraft went back to the USA to have the jets fitted.

Sad day but this aircarft had a long history of being a jinx ship including a crash landing at Nowra I believe.
Regards

Col

[gordon]

As u say Col, a sad day indeed.

Isn't it interesting how certain aircraft become jinxed.

Gordon

[gph]

I'm (almost) sure there was another regular member of that crew that didn't fly with them that day. He was a FLTLT Air Traffic Controller at Richmond when I met him in the early 70's and I think his name was "Blue" Lang. Something tells me he retired to the Richmond/Windsor area. Might still be some family there???

Are you at RIC?

GPH

[Dean]

I am.

[gph]

Is it worth me asking around the old & bold re Blue Lang?

[penders]

Dean,
When I was posted there back in 2003 I got talking to the base barber who knew alot about the crash. He was pretty young back when it crashed but he seemed to know alot about it...maybe you could have a chat to him?
Cheers Penders

[Dean]

Thanks Penders. If he is still there on Monday I'll ask him.

[Dean]

Just an update on locating families.

I placed another request for information on the Cullen family in the Daily Telegraph last week and got one reply. The caller said that after the accident the family moved back to perth where they come from.

Went to the Australian Electoral Commission earlier this week and checked the public records there and got all known Cullens with the first names of G.R. Cullen's sons names. Checked against the online White Pages and got numbers for most of them.

Just have to make some calls now.