On 8th April 1943 the pilot of this 231 Squadron aircraft was carrying out an authorised low-level training flight when the aircraft's port wing clipped a hedge. The pilot was able to remain in control of the aircraft and he made a safe landing, believed to have been back at base of Clifton airfield, York. 231 Squadron were involved in Army co-operation work and the training flight was probably a practice for the low flying work that had to be carried out in support of their work with the Army.
Pilot - P/O Harold James Panitzki RAAF (408211).
Harold Panitzki was born on 14th May 1918 in Burnie, Tasmania and was a son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Panitzki. He was working as a salesman when he enlisted for RAAF service in Hobart on 25th April 1941. After basic training he was awarded his flying badge following training on 5th May 1942. He received a commission on 1st August 1942 to the rank of P/O and later rose to F/O on 1st February 1943 and F/Lt on 1st August 1944. He had possibly undertaken part of this training in South Africa or the ship made a stop there as his service file lists him embarking Capetown in August 1942. On arrival in the UK in September 1942 he trained at 17 (P)AFU and 41 OTU before posting to 231 Squadron on 17th February 1943. He was later posted to 168 Squadron on 19th February 1944 where he was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 13th February 1945. The citation states.. (Acting) "S/Ldr Panitzki has completed a large number of operational sorties against a wide range of targets. He has always completed his missions despite the opposition he has encountered from anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. In August 1944 he was leading a photographic sortie when his aircraft was engaged by fire from the enemy defences and, although severe damage was sustained and his face was injured by splinters, he continued back to base where he executed an emergency landing. This officer's technical skill, courage and devotion to duty have at all times been most praiseworthy." After time with 168 Squadron he was posted to 11 OTU to undertake a flying instructor course and then on to the Central Flying School to instruct. His appointment in the RAAF was terminated on 11th October 1948 but possible well afte rhe had returned to Australia.
Mustang AM194 was built to contract B.P.C. A-1493 by North American Aviation at Inglewood, California, USA and was transported by sea, arriving at Liverpool Docks in July 1942. After assembly and testing at No.1 AAU at Speke the aircraft was placed in MU storage until being taken on charge by 231 Squadron at Clifton in early April 1943. The damage sustained on 8th April 1943 is believed to have been assessed as minor Cat.Ac/FA that would have seen it repaired on site by a team from A.S.T. Ltd. The aircraft later served with 2 Squadron and 168 Squadron before being struck off charge on 19th April 1944.
Back to monthly table.