VS-60 losses - Jamaica - Sept/Oct 1943
 

The wartime activities in the Caribbean area are not generally discussed here.

Operating from Vernam Field, Jamaica, VS-60 with OS2N-1 Kingfishers lost two a/c within a few days.

Referring to the War Diaries of that USN station, "S18" went missing on 28 September 1943. Debris, oil slick were seen in sea that day and on the 29th.
I presume this was BuNo 01449.
Question: who were the crew members? Fate? Ens. Johnie Priest involved?

On 2 October 1943 "S1" made a crash landing near Dolphin Island. This must be BuNo 01450.
Crew is mentioned: Pilot Ens. Mills, USN and observer Capt. Coan, US Army. Apparently no casualties here. If full identity of crew known, then welcome to hear so.

Thanks for any info.

Regards,
Leendert

Re: VS-60 losses - Jamaica - Sept/Oct 1943
 

The crew details are:

BuNo 01449: Ens. J. Priest, Sgt. W.R. Farwell (US Army)

BuNo 01450: Ens. W.H. Mills, Capt. D.J. Coan (US Army)

01450 crashed while searching for 01449, both of whose occupants were missing. Both crew of 01450 were injured in the crash

Re: VS-60 losses - Jamaica - Sept/Oct 1943
 

Thanks for info.

W.R. Farwell = M/Sgt Bill R. Farwell from Iowa, 9th Army Airways Communications Squadron.

Leendert