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Operation: Training
Date: 27th May 1944 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 18 Squadron (NZ)
Type: F4U-I Corsair
Serial: NZ5244
MSN: 4870
Base: Kukum, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Location: As described
Pilot: Fl/Sgt. Frederick Arthur Donaldson NZ/429157 RNZAF Age 23. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
He survived baling out of his aircraft. On or about the 18th February 1944 after being hit by enemy fire, took to his dingy and was rescued within two hours. Then, on the 22nd May 1944 lost his tail in a mid-air collision, baled out over the sea off San Cristobal and rescued within 20 minutes - no injuries on either occasion.
Taking off at 10:00 hrs on a camera gun exercise but suffered engine failure at 30 feet and crashed through Kukum Wharf at the end of the strip, going into the sea. The young New Zealander lost his life.
Kukum, Guadalcanal, Solomon Island (Courtesy Air Museum of New Zealand)
A full military funeral in Guadalcanal but later reinterred at Bourail.
Above the funeral and original grave marker (Courtesy Air Museum of New Zealand)
Fl/Sgt. Frederick Arthur Donaldson. Bourail New Zealand War Cemetery. Grave 5.30. Born at Dunedin on the 27th July 1920. Educated at King Baward Technical School, Dunedin. Worked for the Post and Telegraph Department in Auckland as a Junior Mechanician in the Auto Exchange. Enlisted on the 01st Auguste 1942 at Masterton. Pilot badge awarded on the 07th June 1943 and promoters to sergeant on the 31st July 1943. 525 flying hours logged and on his third tour of the Pacific.
Son of Richard (died on the 14th July 1961) and Emily Frances Donaldson (née Clark - died on the 17th September 1957), of Bay Road, Waitaku, Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, New Zealand Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, National Archive.
Other pages that may interest you:
Pages regarding accident losses
Other sources as quoted below:
KTY 29-09-2023
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them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 29 September 2023, 10:27