Discovery of World War II Bomber Wreck Brings Closure to Families
Guest Contributor
More than 80 years after it vanished beneath the waves, the wreckage of a World War II Allied bomber has been discovered off the coast of Greece, offering long-awaited closure to the families of the airmen who perished. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Baltimore FW282, shot down by German forces in December 1943, was recently located in the Aegean Sea near the island of Antikythera. This discovery not only solves a decades-old mystery but also serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
The sunken aircraft was found at a depth of approximately 200 feet by AegeanTec, a Greek technical diving group. The team recognized the remains as a possible Allied plane and contacted the RAAF’s History and Heritage branch. After thorough examination, the RAAF confirmed the identity of the aircraft as the Baltimore FW282, a bomber that had been lost during a mission over the Aegean Sea during World War II. This find has been described by Air Marshal Stephen Chappell as “significant,” particularly for the families of the fallen crew members.
On December 3, 1943, the Baltimore FW282 was returning from a mission when it encountered a German fighter aircraft. During the ensuing battle, the bomber sustained critical damage, forcing the pilot, William Alroy Hugh Horsley of the RAAF, to ditch the aircraft into the sea. Horsley was knocked unconscious during the crash but managed to escape the submerged cockpit and reach the surface. He was later captured by German forces and spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. The other three crew members—navigator Leslie Norman Row of the British Royal Air Force, and Wireless Operator/Air Gunners Colin William Walker of the RAAF and John Gartside of the Royal New Zealand Air Force—were never found and were listed as missing, presumed dead.
This discovery brings long-awaited resolution to the families of Row, Walker, and Gartside. For decades, the final resting place of these men remained unknown. Now, with the wreck’s identification, their sacrifice can be honored with the dignity it deserves. As Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb of the Royal New Zealand Air Force noted, “The sacrifice of this brave crew has long been remembered, especially by their families, and we can now honour their final resting-place with the respect they deserve.”
I found this detail striking: the location of the wreck near Antikythera, an island already known for the discovery of the ancient Antikythera mechanism, adds a layer of historical resonance to the find. It is a place where ancient and modern history converge beneath the sea, revealing stories long buried by time.
The discovery also highlights the enduring efforts of historians, divers, and defense departments to locate and identify lost aircraft from World War II. The wreckage of the Baltimore FW282 joins a growing list of wartime aircraft that have been recovered in recent years. In 2024 alone, the plane of American pilot John Fisher, lost during a secret mission in 1944, was located by volunteers with metal detectors. Similarly, archaeologists recently uncovered the downed aircraft of American pilot Robert T. McCollum off the coast of Denmark.
These recoveries are more than just historical footnotes. They represent the culmination of years of research and dedication, and they serve as a tribute to the courage and commitment of those who served. As Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton of the Royal Air Force remarked, “This was a generation who embodied the importance of service and comradeship. Their efforts were the base on which the RAF continues to maintain the security of the UK at home and abroad.”
Finding the wreck of the Baltimore FW282 also underscores the evolving role of technology and international cooperation in uncovering wartime history. The collaboration between Greek divers and Australian defense officials illustrates how shared efforts can bring long-lost stories to light. It is a poignant example of how modern tools and global partnerships are helping to close chapters that have remained open for far too long.
For the families of the fallen, the discovery of the Baltimore FW282 is a moment of reflection and remembrance. It serves as a tangible link to the past, offering both answers and a place to mourn. For the broader public, it is a reminder of the many untold stories still lying beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and honored.
As we continue to unearth the remnants of World War II, each find reinforces the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed. The wreck of the Baltimore FW282 is not just an aircraft lost to history—it is a symbol of bravery, resilience, and the enduring human desire to seek truth and closure.
