Archive Report: Allied Forces

Compiled from official National Archive and Service sources, contemporary press reports, personal logbooks, diaries and correspondence, reference books, other sources, and interviews.
Check our Research databases: Database List
.

---

We seek additional information and photographs. Please contact us via the Helpdesk.

---

605 Squadron Hurricane I F/O. Noel Callan Sharp DFC

Operation: Strafing

Date: 01st March 1942 (Sunday)

Unit: No. 605 Squadron (motto: Nunquam Dormio - 'I Never Sleep')

Type: Hurricane I

Serial: Not known

Code: UP-?

Base: Tjilitjan, Java

Location: Beach in Java

Pilot: F/O. Noel Callan Sharp NZ/411455 RNZAF Age 20. Missing - believed killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at dawn to attack enemy troops landing at Indramaju, Java.

His Hurricane was hit by anti-aircraft fire during a low level strafing run along the beach.

F/O. Sharp managed to belly land his Hurricane in a paddy field two miles inland. His number two saw him exit safely from the aircraft and to then set it on fire. He waved to him, but nothing further was heard of him.

Hr is credited with three kills during the Malayan Campaign. Claimed an unknown Japanese fighter on the 12th January, a Nakajima Ki-43 on the 13th January, and damaged two bombers on the 20th January. Credited with an A6M Zero for his third victory on the 18th January, but in the process had most of his rudder shot away; he was able to land his crippled Buffalo safely. Several hours later, he and a few other pilots were scrambled again to intercept another Japanese air raid. However, the Buffalos were attacked by enemy fighters while they were still climbing, forcing F/O. Sharp to make his second emergency landing of the day

Posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on the 20th December 1946, In recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.

Above and below whilst with 243 squadron

Burial details:

F/O. Noel Callan Sharp. Singapore Memorial. Column 421. Born on the 09th February 1922 in Auckland. Educated at Mt. Albert Grammar School. Worked as a bank for Auckland Savings Bank. Enlisted at Levin on the 02nd March 1941. Trained at No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School 13th April 1941. No. 1 Flying Training School 24th May 1941.

Pilot badge awarded on the 05th July 1941 and commissioned on the 16th August 1941. Embarked for Singapore on the 11th September and joined 488 squadron on the 10th October 1941. Attached to 21 squadron RAAF for conversion training 12-18th October. Attached to 243 squadron in January 1942. Involved in a crash landing in the jungle after running out of fuel on the 14th February 1942 but suffered no injuries. Joined 605 squadron on the 22nd February flying the Hurricane.

Son of William Callan Sharp (died 14th September 1956, age 58) and Hilda Alice Sharp (née Reynolds), of Mount Eden, Auckland City, New Zealand.

(note - the CWGC and the New Zealand Cenotaph incorrectly records his death as the 20th February 1942).

Above L-R: Rear; Kenneth Jack McAneny NZ/411421 ✞, M.R Seansie, James Ronald Steer, Leonard Percival Kerr NZ/411412 ✞, T.W.K Smith, Noel Callan Sharp NA/411455 ✞.

Centre; R.T.L Nicholls, H.S Sheperd, Stanley Warrington NZ/411480, D.R Ross, B.C Mansell, P.L.A McFarland.

Front; L.R Sommerville, Clarence Lloyd Kelly NZ/39559 ✞, T.E Lawrence NZ/411494, Arthur Norman Sames NZ/411453, Arthur Dudley Morris NZ/401939, Alan Campbell Williamson NZ/411487 ✞. (Courtesy Air Museum of 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 Archives Kew. AIR-27=2089-21.22.

Other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2025 Last Modified: 21 May 2023, 13:06

Monitor Additions/Changes?Click to be informed of changes to this page. Create account for first monitor only, thereafter very fast. Click to close without creating monitor