Seven of those lost
Henry MouldsThe seven men specifically commemorated on the Mallacoota Second World War memorial were killed in two aircraft crashes in the Mallacoota area.
On the 2nd of November 1942 an Avro Anson over ran the runway and crashed into a quarry. The three 100 lb anti-submarine bombs the aircraft was carrying subsequently exploded. Those on board were:
411481 Sergeant Ralph Beverley Cassidy
405485 Sergeant Leonard Arthur Lupton
401856 Sergeant John Hueston Sawrey
On the 4th of October 1943 another Avro Anson crashed into the sea off Gypsy Point, about 30 kilometres north west of Mallacoota. Those on board were:
417410 Pilot Officer Kevin Pierre Murphy
409097 Flight Sergeant Bruce Fawkner Dufty
410336 Flight Sergeant Francis Mervyn Howship
54166 Leading Aircraftman Harold Edward William Ball
The airfield at Mallacoota played a role in the protection of shipping along the Australian coastline by providing facilities for refuelling, re-arming and basic maintenance for aircraft engaged in anti-submarine reconnaissance patrols. Initially these were conducted by Avro Anson aircraft, and later by Bristol Beaufort aircraft.
Between June 1942 and June 1943 there were 13 Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) submarines operating along the east coast of Australia. They were responsible for sinking twenty two ships, including the freighter SS Iron Crown, sunk by the submarine I-27 with the loss of 38 lives.
Sources:
SS Iron Crown memorial plaque
Website: ozatwar.com
