A9-261

[cristo]

A9-261 Beaufort at Coffs Harbour August 1943 from the Coffs Harbour Reginal Museum collection mus07-4638

Attached Image

[cristo]

Inscription on reverse: " Beaufort Bomber A9-261 at Coffs Harbour 1943. The air crew are joined by the ground staff for this photograph to celebrate their recognition of having damaged a Japanese submarine 65 miles south-east of Coffs Harbour on the 17th of June 1943. The plane was under the command of Pilot-Officer Barry Harrison from Tasmania. Signed L.Tolhurst. "

A9-261 was part of a 32 Squadron detached flight at Coffs Harbour carrying out anti submarine patrols along the east coast. The Squadron Operations Record Book at the National Archives shows A9-261 attacking an enemy submarine on the night of 17 June 1943. The aircraft pilot is recorded as Pilot Officer 408190 Alan Lindsay Harrison from Cradoc Tasmania. " Barry " Harrison is possibly a nickname or perhaps a slip of memory.

HQ 32 Squadron general operations file at the National Archives shows a letter from HQ RAAF Command Brisbane dated 10 August 1943 to HQ 32 Squadron Camden. “ You are advised that after collaboration with the Navy the “ D “ assessment 'probable damage' has been allocated as the result of the attack by 32 Squadron aircraft on an enemy submarine during the night of 17 -18 June 1943. This was followed by a signal to 32 Squadron detached flight at Coffs Harbour received 15th August 1943. " RAAF Command advises allocation of assessment “ D probable damage “ reference attack on enemy submarine night of 17/18 June 1943. Congratulations."
This image was taken around the 15th of August 1943 after the official confirmation was received. Pilot Officer Harrison is probably the man in the center of the photo in the pilots seat looking out the side window.
Flying Officer 408190 Alan Lindsay Harrison was presumed killed on 29 October 1944. He was the pilot of a B24 Liberator bomber which failed to return from a mission to Macassar in the Dutch East Indies. No trace of the aircraft or crew was found. Flying officer Harrison and the crew of the Liberator are remembered on the Monument to the Missing at the Adelaide River War Cemetery Northern Territory.

[Brenden S]

Awesome photo