New Zealand police in the Solomon Islands last week secured remains believed to be those of two New Zealand service men killed when their plane crashed in the islands during WWII
New Zealand police serving with Ramsi recently became aware of the existence of the crash site on Malaita Island in the Solomons including remains believed to be those of crewmembers.
Five service men were killed when a Royal New Zealand Air Force Ventura bomber aircraft crashed and exploded on the island in May 1945. An RNZAF party located the crash site and some remains at the time. Due to the nature of the crash all the men were presumed to have perished and remains found were buried near the crash site.
Head of the International Service Group, NZ Police, Assistant Commissioner Jon White, says once NZ police became aware there were additional remains that were unburied near the site there was a desire to ensure that they were secured and properly taken care of.
The outstanding remains were recovered by NZ Police from Malaita last week and are being held in secure storage in Honiara.
Any decisions about where they will be finally interred will need to be made in consultation with the proper authorities.
Efforts are being made by Police and the New Zealand Defence Force to locate next of kin.
"We are very keen to identify next of kin but as it has been 60 years since the crash it may take some time," Mr White said.
The names of the servicemen killed were:
• Flying Officer Keith Maxwell GrahamD.O.B - 7 September 1924 Franz Joseph Glacier
• Sergeant Eric George PriestD.O.B - 22 May 1924 Thames
• Flight Sergeant Leo Parkes MarshallD.O.B - 5 July 1924Raurimu
• Sergeant Melville Pascoe Lawrence MoxsomD.O.B - 17 November 1924Morrinsville
• Sergeant Douglas David ReadD.O.B - 13 September 1924Kohu Kohu
People who believe they have any information that may help Police locate relatives of the servicemen can contact Peter Kemp from International Services at Police National Headquarters on 021 592 981 or email peter.kemp@police.govt.nz.
ENDS
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