On December 11, 1944, a B-25D Mitchell bomber crashed off Point Addis, marking a tragic chapter in Australia’s wartime history. This year, families of the fallen airmen, along with descendants of the local heroes who rescued the survivors, gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary and honour the lives lost and the courage that followed.
The bomber, which took off from RAAF Base Laverton for a routine weapons test, crashed into the sea after a fire broke out. Captain of the aircraft Flight Lieutenant Robert Wines, Squadron Leader Frederick McGrill and Leading Aircraftman Ronald Cavanagh were killed in the crash. However, Flight Lieutenant Albert Claire and Leading Aircraftman Dennis Roberts survived, thrown clear of the wreckage and rescued by local fishermen.
“It’s difficult to express the loss felt by those of us who never met our loved ones. But today, we are reminded not just of the tragedy, but of the bravery that emerged,” said Grant Reeckmann, nephew of Flight Lieutenant Wines.
“We gather together in tribute of the sacrifice of these men, and the courage of those who did everything they could to save them.”
The brave actions of Allan Smith and Bill Thompson, who risked their lives in the rough seas to bring Claire and Roberts back to shore, were a central part of this story of survival.
Lois McConnell, niece of Mr Smith, reflected on the words of her uncle.
“‘We weren’t sure what we were going to find when we got out there, but we knew we had to try’, is what Uncle Allan would say. ‘Helping people in need was just what you did’,” she said.
Eighty years later, the families and community gathered at Point Addis for a memorial service that marked both the tragedy and the extraordinary heroism that followed.
A moving address from Squadron Leader Christopher Hayden emphasised the legacy of courage.
“We gather here today not just to mourn, but to honour the extraordinary courage shown by all involved,” he said.
“The sacrifices made remind us that in times of tragedy, humanity shines brightest.”
The ceremony concluded with a flypast at 11.07am, the exact time the crash occurred. The 100 Squadron heritage aircraft CAC Winjeel flew in honour of the men who had perished and the rescuers who ensured that others survived.
Chris and Nick, sons of Leading Aircraftman Roberts, shared their pride: “We’ve always felt the need to carry on our father’s legacy. Today, we see the impact of his story, not just on our family, but on the entire community.”
The service united the families of the fallen crew and the rescuers’ descendants. They visited the Anglesea Historical Society, where an exhibition was unveiled sharing the story of the crash, the search and the ongoing legacy of bravery.
For the families of McGill, Wines and Cavanagh, the commemoration was a bittersweet moment to remember the sacrifice of their loved ones. For the descendants of Smith and Thompson, it was a time to honour the courage of those who risked everything to save others.
The 80th anniversary ensured that the memory of this wartime tragedy and the heroes it produced would never be forgotten.
