Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of William Thomas Reedman and Kathleen Marie Reedman, of Rockhampton, Queensland.

REEDMAN. — In proud & loving memory of our dear Son, Flying Officer William Patrick Reedman, Navigator, R.A.A.F., who lost his life, aircraft accident in Milne Bay, September 11th, 1945.
Inserted by his Father, Mother, Sister, & Brother.

At 1015 hours Dakota VH-CIJ took off from Milne Bay for Dobodura, taking off to the East.  After reaching the vicinity of Lau Lau Island the aircraft turned right in the direction of Gamododa. Then apparently turned left heading out in the direction of the bay.  At 1021 hours the aircraft called up the town and said it was returning giving no reason, asking to be homed on sound of motors.  At 1028 hours motors were heard in the vicinity of the strip.  The aircraft called that it was unable to see strip or find way out.  At approx. 1030 hours the aircraft was reported to be turning from S to W over Ladava.  Reports from native village at Baraga indicate that the aircraft passed in this vicinity.  It is apparent that on flying west, aircraft discovered strip had been overshot, and turned left back towards the bay, thereby avoiding mountains and flying along valley of Gumini River towards Gibara.  At 1037 hours the aircraft was instructed by Aeradio to 'Clinb to 5,000 ft and head N.E., strip closed, call back.  Aircraft acknowledged the signal.   At this time aircraft is assumed to have been in the area of about 3 or 4 miles diameter inland from the mouht of Gumini River.  Evidence to effect that the aircraft struck the water is found by wreckage found on coast S.W. corner of Bay between mouth of Gumini River and Gamadoda.