Shortland Island

The seaplane was dispatched from Shortland Island Seaplane base to Choisel Island where Japanese pilots were awaiting to be rescued after being shot down by enemy fire. During the rescue operation, the seaplane was attacked by US fighter and was badly damaged. While returning to base, it sank upon landing and was lost. A crew member was killed.

The crew departed Honiara-Henderson Airfield to attack Japanese ships cruising off Shortland and Bougainville Islands. While approaching the target area, the airplane named 'Bessie The Jap Basher' was shot down by the pilots of Japanese fighters, crashed into the sea and sank by a depth of 30 metres off Shortland Island. Eight crew members were killed while the captain was rescued and later executed by Japanese soldiers.
Crew (11th BG):
1st Lt Charles E. Norton, pilot,
1st Lt Bruce S. Barker, copilot,
1st Lt Leo M. Eminger, navigator,
Sgt James R. Mathewson, bombardier,
S/Sgt Peter F. Novak, radio operator,
S/Sgt William L. Hotard, air gunner,
S/Sgt Fred S. Croyle, air gunner,
Sgt Bruce W. Osborne, air gunner,
Pfc Edward A. Carroll, air gunner.