LEST WE FORGET

Pilot Officer Clive Frederick BINGHAM

Service No: 413515
Born: Bexley NSW, 16 April 1920
Enlisted in the RAAF: 12 September 1941
Unit: No. 4 Service Flying Training School, Geraldton WA
Died: Aircraft Accident (No. 4 Service Flying Training School Anson aircraft AX299) near Cardabia Station Homestead WA, 30 September 1942, Aged 22 Years
Buried: Geraldton War Cemetery WA (Reinterred)
CWGC Additional Information: Son of John Frederick and Linda Adele Bingham, of Bexley, New South Wales.
Roll of Honour: Bexley NSW
Remembered: Panel 115, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

Anson AX299 departed on Geraldton – Onslow patrol at 0857 WST Pilot, Sergeant Dunn, Observer Sergeant Thompson, Wireless Air Gunner Pilot Officer Bingham. At approximately 1500 hours WST, this aircraft crashed near Cardabia Station Homestead approximately 140 miles north of Carnarvon. Pilot Officer Bingham died of head injuries, Sgt. Observer Thomson sustaining shock and possible internal injuries – condition fair – and Sergeant Pilot Dunn sustaining slight concussion and abrasions. The aircraft is reported as being a total wreck.. Dr. Piccles of Carnarvon was in attendance at scene of crash and all possible assistance rendered. Station ambulance with Squadron Leader Pennington (266384), S.M.O. (Senior Medical Officer), Chaplain Flight Lieutenant T.D. Beyer (O3358), Pilot Officer Jolly (285502) Burial Officer, together with necessary burial appliances to leave for Cardiabia Station 1/10/42.

No. 4 Service Flying Training School Operations Record Book A50 Entry dated 30 September 1942

Report of Anson AX299 crashing in the vicinity of CARDABIA Homestead was received. Report stated crew urgently in need of medical attention. 1530 hours.
1600 hours. Heavy tender with Doctor, mechanics and guards left for CARDABIA.
1930 hours. Arrived at Minilya station. The services of Mr. McLEOD as guide also the use of his car were gladly availed of.
2230 hours. Arrived at the scene of the crash and found that Pilot Officer BINGHAM had died without regaining consciousness.

Operational Base Carnarvon Operations Record Book A50 Entry dated 30 September 1942.

A guard was left on the crashed plane and the return journey commenced arriving at CARNARVON at 1830 hours where the injured two members of the crew were placed in hospital.

Operational Base Carnarvon Operations Record Book A50 Entry dated 1 October 1942.

Squadron Leader PENNINGTON, Flight Lieutenant BEYER and Pilot Officer JOLLY arrived and took over proceedings from this station. The burial of Pilot Officer BINGHAM was attended by members of this station.

Operational Base Carnarvon Operations Record Book A50 Entry dated 2 October 1942.

The crew members of AX299 were:

Pilot Officer Clive Frederick Bingham (413515) (Pilot)
Sergeant Douglas Dunn (411301) (Pilot) Injured, Discharged from the RAAF: 1 July 1947
Sergeant Edgar James Thomson (414101) (Observer) Injured, Discharged from the RAAF: 17 January 1946

References:

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veteran’s Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A9845, 61

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