Previous service 17th Batt. H.Q. Co. Plane was a Beaufighter A19-208 of 31 Sqd RAAF which was returning in the dark from escorting a Catalina in the Arafura Sea area with another Beaufighter A19-192. Both planes became lost and crashed. A19-208 crashed into Wire Creek 6 miles north of Parla Station. The other aircraft was found 3 miles due west of North Brocks Creek. Three crew from both planes were lost with one surviving after bailing out.