This Day in History: 1942-10-22

Bristol Beaufort V A9-26 operated by 100 Squadron RAAF crashed at Cockle Bay just off the South West coast of Magnetic Island, Queensland on 22 October 1942. A9-26 was one of six aircraft from 100 Sqn RAAF on a dive bombing training mission against the “City of Adelaide” a ship wrecked hulk in Cockle Bay located 200 metres off the South West coast of Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia. During the practice dive bombing attack the aircraft struck the ships aft mast and crashed into the shallow waters of Cockle Bay killing the three RAAF aircrew Pilot, FLGOFF G.D.R. Avery; Observer, FLGOFF D.C. Bell and Wireless Air Gunner, FLGOFF L.J. Schwartz and US Navy LT, George Frank Glueck. The aircraft wreckage was subsequently recovered and broken down for spares. Sources: ADF-Serials; Australia @ War; aviation-safety.net website