Community
22 August, 2026
Memorial to dead airmen
EIGHTY-four years after a United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress was lost off Yorkeys Knob, the men aboard that aircraft have been remembered with dignity, respect and gratitude.
A special commemorative service was held last Sunday morning at the northern end of Sims Esplanade, marking the 84th anniversary of the tragic loss of B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2434 on 16 August 1942. The following 12 US Servicemen were remembered: Major Dean Hoevet, Lt Paul Lindsey, Lt William Railing, Lt William Chesser, Lt Arthur Sorrell, Lt Maxwell Stone, T/Sgt Stephen Androkovich, T/Sgt Hermon Randall, Sgt Coy Adamas, Lt George Hammersmith, T/Sgt Ralph Tarod and S.Sgt Bernard Merker.
The aircraft, belonging to the 19th Bombardment Group, 30th Bombardment Squadron, was involved in testing a flare mechanism when the flare ignited inside the aircraft. The resulting fire caused the fortress to erupt in flames before plunging into the sea near Yorkeys Knob. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 12 men aboard.
The ceremony was conducted by David Stephens, with special guests who included United States Army retired Vietnam veteran Richard Guay, RAAF Group Captain Stewart Dowrie, Legacy president Alfonso Santos, Councillor Rhonda Coghlan and many others.
For local author Michael Musumeci, who has researched the tragedy and has continued to bring the story of the Yorkeys Knob B-17 to the public, the service represented another important step in preserving the memory of the men. He said The Yorkeys Knob Residents Association and Cairns Regional Council helped establish a permanent informative memorial to the men.
