[Antipodean Andy]

No trace of airmen's remains | NEWS.com.au

A SEARCH of the wreckage of an RAAF bomber shot down in World War II in Papua New Guinea has uncovered identity tags but no trace of the crew members.

A RAAF investigation team of nine personnel spent a week at the wreck site on an isolated mountain ridge inland from Gasmata Harbour on the PNG island of New Britain.

"No human remains were found," Defence Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said today.

"The harsh climate and passage of time meant the prospect of locating remains was slim, but (the) air force has made every effort to account for these airmen who gave their lives protecting Australia."

The search team did locate a number of personal and military artefacts such as dog tags, watches, pocket knives and an engraved pen, which will be returned to the airmen's relatives.

The aircraft, A16-126, was shot down by Japanese fighters in a raid on shipping in Gasmata Harbour on February 11, 1942.

Lost were Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant Arthur Quail.

The Hudson bomber was found by local missionary Mark Reichman in May on the advice of local villagers.

An air force reconnaissance team officially confirmed the wreck was A16-126 in June.

The families of the four crew members had been advised of the results of the search, Mr Snowdon said.