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American Douglas A-20 Havoc light bomber Hell’n Pelican II has returned to Papua New Guinea, decades after crash-landing there during World War II.
Hell’n Pelican II originally conducted a forced landing at Amaiamon village in the PNG province of Madang during April 1944.
American pilot Second Lieutenant Charles Anderson and crewmember Sergeant John McKenna evaded opposing Japanese forces and were rescued after 15 days.
The aircraft was later found in 1976, then recovered by Chinook transport helicopter in 1984 and reassembled at RAAF base Amberley in the 1980s.
After significant restorations, the aircraft has now been ferried by the Royal Australian Navy’s ADV Reliant ship from Queensland to Port Moresby, where it will feature in the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery.
“Farewelling a piece of history back to its final resting place, the Havoc Bomber ‘Hell’N Pelican II’ saw service with the 5th United States Air Force during WWII,” according to statements published by the 3rd Brigade Australian Army.
“Lost in the jungle for three decades, it was eventually recovered and restored in Australia and is now onboard ADV Reliant on its way from Townsville to the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery.”
The World War II aircraft was driven from the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Amberley to Townsville Port, via Westwood and Charters Towers through the Warrego, Leichhardt, Capricorn, Gregory and Flinders highways.
Australian Army 3 Brigade Deputy Commander Boniface Aruma confirmed that the transfer was a significant moment in history.
“A moment in history, witnessing the Douglas A20 US Bomber winched onto the ADV Reliant for shipment to its final resting place – PNG National Museum and Art Gallery,” he said.
“Lost in the jungles of Madang, PNG, for 30 years, it was discovered in 1976, brought to Australia in 1984 for restoration work and is finally making its way back to PNG.
“Deep gratitude to AUS/ADF for the recovery and restoration work.”
