RAAF aircraft disappeared in 1943 over the Aegean Sea and the discovery was made by Greek technical divers, ending decades of mystery
After 82 years of uncertainty, the wreckage of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bomber that went missing during World War II has finally been located. The aircraft, model Baltimore FW282, was found in July 2024 in the waters off the island of Antikythera, Greece, at a depth of 61 meters, by the Greek technical diving group AegeanTec. The information was released this week by the Australian Department of Defence (DOD).
The plane, which belonged to RAAF’s No. 454 Squadron, disappeared in December 1943 after being attacked by German fighters while returning from a mission over the Aegean Sea. On board were four servicemen: a pilot, a navigator, and two radio operators/gunners. According to the DOD, only the pilot survived. He escaped the aircraft after waking up to a flooded cockpit, managed to swim to shore, and was captured, being held as a prisoner of war until the end of the conflict. The other crew members were never seen again.
The aircraft’s identity was confirmed by the DOD’s History and Heritage – Air Force division. According to Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), the discovery represents a moment of symbolic closure for the families of the crew members.
“The sacrifice of this brave crew has always been remembered, especially by their families. Now we can honor their final resting place with the dignity they deserve,” Webb said.
The Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, emphasized the importance of work carried out by private initiatives like AegeanTec. “These efforts are essential for identifying the 3,143 Australian airmen who still have no known grave from World War II and the Korean War,” he stated.
Source and images: Olhar Digital / DOD/Disclosure. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
