Remains of Australian World War II bomber and crew discovered in South Pacific among saltwater crocodiles and poor visibility

After more than 80 years, the identities of an Australian bomber and two air crew members have been confirmed following a harrowing discovery off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The Beaufort bomber A9-186 was found in murky, crocodile-infested waters by Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest’s search team.

Flying Officer David Forrest, who had been missing in action since 1943, was piloting the bomber during a night raid against a Japanese air strip near the village of Gasmata on the island of New Britain. The entire four-member crew went missing in action during the mission.

The wreckage of A9-186 was identified by an aircraft identity plate that had been buried in mud, reducing corrosion and making it legible. DNA testing confirmed the remains of Warrant Officer Clement Batstone Wiggins and Warrant Officer Russell Henry Grigg. However, the search for the rest of the air crew members continues.

A memorial service for the families of the crew will be held in Queensland, Australia, with funerals planned for Papua New Guinea in September. Andrew Forrest expressed gratitude for the closure the families now have and vowed to continue the search for his late uncle and the remaining crew members.

The head of the Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, emphasized the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of missing service personnel. The discovery of the bomber comes amidst other searches for World War II wreckage in the South Pacific, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uncover the mysteries of the past.