The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct a commemorative ceremony and unveil a plaque for the nine crewmembers of Catalina A24-64 at the Catalina Memorial in Cairns, Queensland.
No 43 Squadron Catalina A24-64 was lost on 14 December 1944 on Mindoro Island in the Philippines while on a mission during the Second World War. The Directorate of Historical Unrecovered War Casualties – Air Force conducted a reconnaissance mission to the Catalina A24-64 crash site from 3-13 March 2019.
During the commemorative ceremony, wreaths will be laid by the Chief of Air Force, family representatives of the crewmembers, and other dignitaries.
A P-8 Poseidon aircraft, operated by No 11 Squadron, will fly over the Catalina Memorial during the ceremony.
During the following reception, next of kin of the crewmembers will be presented with their lost family member’s Certificates of Service and medal entitlements.
The commemorative ceremony will commence at 9.00am at the Catalina Memorial. The reception will be held immediately following the commemorative ceremony at the Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, 209-217 Abbott St, opposite the Catalina Memorial.
For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).
