Operation: Photographic recbonnasaince

Date: 03rd December 1943 (Friday)

Unit: No. 454 Squadron RAAF. 247 Wing, 201 Group Middle East

Type: Martin Baltimore V (A-30)

Serial: FW282

Code: 'P'

Base: Berka III Benghazl, Libya

Location: Sea of Crete off Antikythera

Pilot: Fl/Lt. William Alroy Hugh Horsley Aus/403829 RAAF Age 32. PoW No. 3309 Camp: Stalaft Luft Sagan and Belaria

Nav: Fl/Lt. Leslie Norman Row 117013 RAFVR Age 25. Missing - believed killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. Colin William Walker Aus/403291 RAAF Age 26. Missing - believed killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: W/O. 'Jock' John Gartside NZ/404599 RNZAF Age 26. Missing - believed killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 06:55 hrs (08:55 local time) on a photographic recbonnasaince of the western Aegean shipping routes. On completion called base at 10:20 hrs and advised.

During their return whilst flying at low level they were attacked off Cythira several times by enemy fighters and the port wing caught fire, two of the crew were wounded. After informing the crew of his intentions and receiving a thumbs up from them he ditched on the north side of the island. During this manoeuvre the pilot was temporary knocked unconscious when he hit the co the Baltimore cockpit pane. He woke as the aircraft submerged.

He looked around for the crew and as he saw no sign he started the 300 yard swim to the island. he was picked up by local fishermen and then captured by the Germans.

In 2024, Greek technical diving group AegeanTec, which specialises in exploring deep-water wrecks beyond the reach of recreational divers, located the wreck in 61 metres of water.
Believing it to be a RAAF aircraft, AegeanTec contacted History and Heritage – Air Force (HUWC-AF), which assessed the discovery, and positively confirmed the wreck as RAAF Baltimore FW282.
“This aircraft discovery is significant and offers the chance to provide closure to families,” said Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.

'The efforts of groups such as AegeanTec are critical for us in accounting for those 3143 Australian aviators with no known grave from the Second World War and the Korean conflict.
“I am pleased, alongside my colleagues from the RAF and RNZAF, to this week to be able to announce the find and for us to acknowledge, collectively, the bravery of this combined crew of aviators from our three nations.'
RAF Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, said the discovery of RAAF Baltimore FW282 highlighted the longstanding relationship between the RAF and the Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand Air Forces.

'It’s an honour to acknowledge the bravery of the multinational crew. This was a generation who embodied the importance of service and comradeship.Their efforts were the base on which the RAF continues to maintain the security of the UK at home and abroad,” Air Chief Marshal Knighton said.
“Their sense of duty inspires future generations of all of our Air Forces.”
RNZAF Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, emphasised that New Zealand was very grateful to AegeanTec for the important discovery.

'I hope will bring some sense of closure for the families. The sacrifice of this brave crew has long been remembered, especially by their families, and we can now honour their final resting-place with the respect they deserve,' Air Vice-Marshal Webb said.
Operated by RAAF’s No 454 Squadron, Baltimore FW282 was returning from a mission over the Aegean Sea on 3 December 1943 when it was intercepted by German fighter aircraft and sustained heavy damage.
While ditching into the ocean, pilot Flight Lieutenant Horsley was knocked unconscious and awoke as water filled the cockpit. After swimming to the surface and realising he was alone, Flight Lieutenant Horsley swam to shore, where he was handed over to German authorities. The pilot spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war in Germany. The other three crew members were listed as missing, believed killed.

Following discussions with the RAF and RNZAF, it has been determined that there will be no further recovery at the wreck site; however, the RAAF will coordinate a memorial service for the crew.

Burial detailsp

Fl/Lt. William Alroy Hugh Horsley - Survived the war. Born on the 30th September 1911 in Willoughby, New South Wales, Australia. Married Betty Lambton Menzies in 1940, (died 17th July 1980, age 65), Father of Petra, Guy and Nicola Horsley. Enlisted on the 03 Mach 1941. Died 21st July 1962, age 50 in Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia.

Fl/Lt. Leslie Norman Row. Alamein Memorial. Column 267. Born on the 02nd March 1918 in Gravesend, Kent. Educated at Gravesend Grammar School. Son of Albert Edward Row and Florence Mabel (née Porter). of 33 Parrock Road, Gravesend, Kent, England.

P/O. Colin William Walker. Alamein Memorial. Column 277. Son of Frederick William Walker, and of Gladys Irene Walker, of Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

W/O. John Gartside. Alamein Memorial. Column 277. Born on the 26th October 1917. Educated at Huntly School. Son of Charles (died 28th January 1956, age 77) and Jean Gartside (née Pirrett - died 09th October 1972, age 83), of Huntly, Auckland, 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, Paul McGuiness RAAF Archives. National Archives Kew AIR027-1894-19/20, Australian WW2 Service records.

Other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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