Squadron: 458 Sqn (RAAF)
Start Date: 1943-08-02
Completion Date: 1943-08-02
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City:
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Protville, Tunisia
Take Off Time:
Squadron Code:
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City:
Crash Specifics: between Sardinia and Corsica
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: flak
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
458 Australia Squadron (We Find and Destroy). Wellington aircraft MP713 was on an armed reconnaissance anti-shipping mission off the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia. After attacking an enemy light cruiser, it was likely shot down by flak. RCAF W/O II H.E. Kontzie (wireless air gunner) was killed. The rest of the surviving crew were picked up by an Italian Red Cross seaplane and taken to the port of Portoli, where they became Prisoners of War: RAFVR Flt. Lt. J.H. Douglas (pilot); RAAF Pilot Officer L.J. Netherway (2nd pilot); RAAF Sgt. B.F. Wheatley (navigator); RCAF Sgt. K.F. McLelland (wireless operator); and RAAF W/O C.M. Ryan (wireless operator / air gunner).
6 Bomber Group August 2, 1943
2 Halifaxes from 428 squadron were ordered out on a sea search. The crews returned, unsuccessful. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
458 Australia Squadron (We Find and Destroy). Wellington aircraft MP713 was on an armed reconnaissance anti-shipping mission off the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia. After attacking an enemy light cruiser, it was likely shot down by flak. RCAF W/O II H.E. Kontzie (wireless air gunner) was killed. The rest of the surviving crew were picked up by an Italian Red Cross seaplane and taken to the port of Portoli, where they became Prisoners of War: RAFVR Flt. Lt. J.H. Douglas (pilot); RAAF Pilot Officer L.J. Netherway (2nd pilot); RAAF Sgt. B.F. Wheatley (navigator); RCAF Sgt. K.F. McLelland (wireless operator); and RAAF W/O C.M. Ryan (wireless operator / air gunner).
