GRAETZ [MC], Raymond Arnold

"While on a bombing mission at Wewak on 20 May 1944, Beaufort A9-571 was shot down by ground fire and ditched. Two crew members were killed by ground fire after the ditching, one was last seen swimming away to sea and the fourth crew members was rescued by a USN patrol boat. The crew members of A9-571 were: Flying Officer Sydney Louis Anderson (410192) (Navigator) Killed by ground fire Flying Officer Raymond Arnold Graetz MC (417175) (Wireless Air Gunner) Rescued, Discharged from the RAAF: 18 September 1946 Flight Sergeant Francis Maloney (410995) (Wireless Air Gunner) Last seen swimming away. Flying Officer Lyle Manhire McLaren (416874) (Pilot) Killed by ground fire. Flying Officer Graetz who survived the crash, evaded capture behind enemy lines for 10 days, was rescued by a PT boat and returned safe to his unit on 30 May 1944. For his exploits he was awarded the Military Cross.”

Last Name
GRAETZ [MC]
Given Names
Raymond Arnold
Service Number
417175
Date of Birth
10/12/1917
Birth Location
Mount Pleasant South Australia
Enlistment Date
31/01/1942
Enlistment Location
Adelaide S.A.
Course Details
WAGS Course 25, WAGS Course 30, WAGS Course 33
Intake Date
10/12/1942
Kill Date or Discharge Date
18/09/1946 (Discharged)
Discharge Unit
CGSch
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
Medals
Military Cross
Notes

"While on a bombing mission at Wewak on 20 May 1944, Beaufort A9-571 was shot down by ground fire and ditched. Two crew members were killed by ground fire after the ditching, one was last seen swimming away to sea and the fourth crew members was rescued by a USN patrol boat. The crew members of A9-571 were: Flying Officer Sydney Louis Anderson (410192) (Navigator) Killed by ground fire Flying Officer Raymond Arnold Graetz MC (417175) (Wireless Air Gunner) Rescued, Discharged from the RAAF: 18 September 1946 Flight Sergeant Francis Maloney (410995) (Wireless Air Gunner) Last seen swimming away. Flying Officer Lyle Manhire McLaren (416874) (Pilot) Killed by ground fire. Flying Officer Graetz who survived the crash, evaded capture behind enemy lines for 10 days, was rescued by a PT boat and returned safe to his unit on 30 May 1944. For his exploits he was awarded the Military Cross.”

NAA Status
DIGITIZED
1 WAGS - GRAETZ Raymond Arnold - 417175 Citation
1 WAGS - GRAETZ Raymond Arnold - 417175
1 WAGS - GRAETZ Raymond Arnold - 417175 Citation
1 WAGS - GRAETZ Raymond Arnold - 417175 Ist right 100 Sqn.

Acknowledgements

National Archives of Australia - 1 WAGS BallaratUBC Web Design - 1 WAGS BallaratCity of Ballarat - 1 WAGS BallaratAPCO Alfredton - 1 WAGS BallaratDepartment of Veterans Affairs - 1 WAGS BallaratAustralian War Memorial - 1 WAGS BallaratRSL Virtual War Memorial - 1 WAGS Ballarat