Remembering the Texas Terror Plane Crash

On Sunday 21st at 5:00pm, local members of the Texas Terror Committee, together with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo and Herbert River RSL President Rodger Bow, attended the annual memorial ceremony honouring those who lost their lives in the Texas Terror plane crash.

The ceremony commemorates the American B-24 Liberator bomber that crashed into the summit of Mount Straloch on Hinchinbrook Island in mid-December 1942, killing all twelve crew members on board.

Guests also travelled from 31 Battalion Association branches across the Burdekin, Townsville and Charters Towers to pay their respects.

During the service, a minute’s silence was observed not only for the crew of the Texas Terror, but also in remembrance of the victims of the Bondi shooting.

Messages of thanks were read from the daughter of Colonel Riggs in the United States, expressing her appreciation to those who continue to honour and preserve the history of the crash and the lives lost.

A dinner was held following the ceremony, providing an opportunity for attendees to reflect and share stories in a respectful and commemorative setting.

(Contributed with thanks by Felix Reitano, O.A.M. Pres. 31 Bn Assoc Ingham)