An Australian Government team has begun a comprehensive investigation
in an attempt to account for the last two missing Australian
Defence Force members in Vietnam, Minister for Defence Science
and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP announced today.
Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver
disappeared on 3 November 1970. They had conducted a bombing
mission and were returning to base when their Canberra bomber
was lost without trace approximately 65 kilometres south west
of Da Nang. An inquiry conducted in late 1970 was unable to
determine the cause of the incident from available evidence.
"As the two remaining ADF personnel missing following
the Vietnam War, we should ensure every possible avenue has
been explored to account for them," Mr. Snowdon said.
In recent years, the Army History Unit has developed a strong
working relationship with appropriate Vietnamese Government
agencies to locate, recover and repatriate the remains of
all missing Australian Army members in Vietnam. Air Force
has requested the Army History Unit use its experience in
these cases to review all available evidence and information
related to the disappearance of Flying Officer Herbert and
Pilot Officer Carver.
This investigation will draw on information from sources in
Australia, Vietnam, the United States and other countries,
and acknowledges the efforts and commitment to recovery of
Australian war dead shown by Jim Bourke and Operation Aussies
Home. "Accounting for these two brave airmen will be
a significant challenge, as the potential area of interest
is large. The Air Operations Division of Defence Science and
Technology Organisation (DSTO) is providing crucial support
by analysing potential trajectories given last known position
and likely altitude and airspeed of Canberra Bombers on mission.
"Their expertise and modeling work will refine and prioritise
the search area." Mr. Snowdon said.
Air Force will continue to update relatives of Flying Officer
Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver as the investigation progresses.