Nigel Russell PUGH

PUGH, Nigel Russell

Service Number: 410281
Enlisted: 5 December 1941, Melbourne, Vic.
Last Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Last Unit: No. 83 Squadron (RAAF)
Born: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 12 April 1921
Home Town: Toorak, Stonnington, Victoria
Schooling: Sydney C of E Grammar School, Geelong Grammar School, Trinity College, Melbourne University
Occupation: University Student - Law
Died: Missing believed Killed, Northern Operational Area, 29 May 1944, aged 23 years
Cemetery: No known grave - "Known Unto God"
Memorials: Adelaide River Northern Territory Memorial, Corio Geelong Grammar School "PUGH" Memorial Window, Nhulunbuy Wall of Remembrance
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World War 2 Service

5 Dec 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 410281, No. 83 Squadron (RAAF), Melbourne, Vic.
Date unknown: Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 410281

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Son of Richard Russell Pugh and Dorothy Pugh, of Toorak, Victoria

The above mentioned member was the piolt of Bomerang Aircraft A46-159 which, in company with another aircraft of No. 83 Squadron took off from Millingimbi to act as convoy cover at 1040 L hours on the 29th May, 1944.

After locating the convoy A46-159 made several passes at the Beaufort aircraft which it was relieving.  On the last pass which was made at approximately 500 feet, A46-159 was apparentley caught in the slip stream of the Beaufort aircraft, turned on its back and spiralled into the sea at 1104 L hours.  The port wing tip and motor strick the water at the same time and the aircraft sank immediately.

The exscorting corvette H.M.A.S. "Fremantle" was at the scene of the crash in ten minutes and its whaler searched the area for 25 minutes without result.  The pilot of the accompanying aircraft circled the spot for 30 to 35 minutes but all that was visible was a small amount of brown debris and a large patch of oil on the surface of the water. 

It is the opinion of the pilot of the accompanying aircraft that Acting Flight Lieutenant PUGH could not have escaped from the aircraft as he was flying with his canopy completely closed.

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