DAVIES, Thomas Henry
| Service Number: | 163 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 July 1935 |
| Last Rank: | Squadron Leader |
| Last Unit: | No. 11 Squadron (RAAF) |
| Born: | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia , 22 February 1917 |
| Home Town: | Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Regular Air Force (pilot) |
| Died: | Accidental, New Ireland, Pacific Islands, 15 January 1942, aged 24 years |
| Cemetery: |
Rabaul (Bita Paka) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea B C 8 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 15 Jul 1935: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 163, No. 11 Squadron (RAAF) | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Squadron Leader, 163 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Steve Larkins
Thomas Henry Davies (1917-1942)
Squadron Leader Thomas Davies was a 24 yo Catalina Flying Boat captain with No. 11 Squadron RAAF operating out of Kavieng on the northernmost tip of New Ireland, in the lead up to Japanse attacks on Rabaul.
Flying Catalina A24.11 on 15 Jan 1942, his was one of two aircraft assigned to attack Japanese shipping at Truk Lagoon. The other aircraft a24.14, was piloted by US Navy Lieutenant George Hutchinson, seconded to the RAAF from US Patrol Wing 10.
Hutchinson took off first and gained altitude despite a heavy swell running. Davies followed but before he could get airborne, the swell dislodged on of the underwing 250lb bombs and it detonated, destroying the aircraft and killing all on board. Hutchinson descended to render assistance but nothing could be done.
Hutchinson and all but one of his crew were later lost, on 21 January 1942 in Catalina A24.13 flying Salamua to Port Moresby when they were bounced by Zeros. See this entry:
Corporal Tom Keen (the only survivor) - https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/1175132 (/explore/people/1175132)
Source:
1. Claringbold M.J. and Ingman, P. (2017) South Pacific Air War Vol 1 The Fall of Rabaul December 1941-March 1942, Avonmore Books ISBN 978-0-9945889-4-4 pp46
2. ADF Serials - http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a24.htm (www.adf-serials.com.au)