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RAAF Cairns War Memorial

RAAF Catalina Memorial Cairns

Commonwealth and Australian Defence Force War Graves Cairns Myrtan Street

ADF War Graves Myrtan Street Cemetery Cairns

“Dedication and Commemoration to the crew and passengers of R.A.A.F. Hudson A16-118

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday the 26th of May, 2018 commencing at 10.00am to honour and remember all servicemen who tragically lost their lives in the air crash of Royal Australian Air Force, Hudson Serial A16-118 that occurred near Machans Beach, Cairns on the 5th March 1945.

The Memorial Service is to respectfully honour all 11 Servicemen who tragically lost their lives. Their names include:

Crew:

F/Lt Donald J. Bassett Service No 406465

F/Off Gordon Thomson Service No 400573

WO Berrol S. Frieze Service No 409400

LAC John D. Moore Service No 77157

Passengers:

Maj-Gen George A. Vasey Service No VX9

Maj-Gen Rupert M. Downes Service No VX57673

Colonel Robert H. Russell Service No NX168

Lt-Col George A. Bertram Service No NX324

F/Lt John W. Newell Service No 404543

Lt William Riggall Service No VX80932

Cpl Edward L. James Service No NX4011

The Memorial Service was respectfully conducted on site of the A16-118 Air Crash Memorial, located at the southern end of the O’Shea Esplanade Reserve, at Machans Beach, Cairns Queensland.

The newly constructed Memorial is a permanent reminder to present and future generations, of the ultimate sacrifice that was made by these 11 brave servicemen. The memorial is a significant historical icon within our region that will enshrine the memory of these men forever. “Lest we forget” we will remember them.

Photo by Neil Howard RAAFA Cairns Branch Vice President/Treasurer.

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