At approximately 0020 hours on June 9 1942, a U.S.A.A.C Flying Fortress B 17 crashed killing all those on board, shortly after taking off from Whenuapai Aerodrome in Auckland.

The following crew were killed: J.R. Clanton; C.L. Childers; J. Herriots and C.P. Brunson. The following military personnel were killed: R.E Cobb; E.W. Hurst; E.H. Hoffman; J. Bruce; J.F. Lopez and H. Cohn and the Frenchman was J. Gilbert.

The court of enquiry into the accident concluded that the pilot may have had difficulty in reading the instrument panel due to the full landing lights and flares visible on take-off. The plane was at 150 feet when it began to lose height steadily before crashing. The plane burst into flames and 4 minutes later, two of the four 500lb bombs the plane was carrying exploded. Witness reports to the incident suggested there was no evidence for engine failure. The court of enquiry recommended a review of the use of landing lights to assist take off in wake of the accident.

The funeral for those killed took place at Watney Sibun’s Chapel in Newmarket, Auckland, and bodies were interred at Waikumete Cemetery.

Archives New Zealand Reference: ADQA 17211 AIR1 572 25/2/588 <a href="https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=21074815" rel="nofollow">www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=21074815</a>

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