The Green Island incident - 64 years ago today

[Dave Homewood]

It is the 64th Anniversary today of the infamous Green Island incident in which the RNZAF lost seven Corsairs in a storm after having tried to protect downed pilot Frank Keefe. It was the RNZAF's worst day for loss of aircraft in the Pacific campaign I believe, though not the highest loss of aircrew or personnel in one day.

I think the only survivor of the Corsair pilots now is Bryan Cox, though others involved such as those who searched for survivors in Venturas and groundcrew on Green island who recall the impact of the tragic day are still with us.

May those who were lost not be forgotten.

[corsair67]

Yes, it was a very tragic incident, in a war filled with tragic incidents.

So, that means today must be Bryan's birthday then?

[tbf25o4]

There is another survivor of that raid and the aftermath
retired group captain Fred Tucker lives in wellington and was
instrumental in co-ordinating the rescue efforts after he returned
from the first strike

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks for that. I didn't realise he was still around.