The Shire Military History Club is calling on the community to help uncover the story of a historic Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dakota crash off the Cronulla coast, one of the most intriguing and tragic events in local aviation history.

On 27 October 1952, a Dakota aircraft [A65-113 / VH-RGA] plunged into the sea approximately 15 miles off Jibbon Head near Cronulla. Onboard were four RAAF crew members: Flight-Lieutenant Alfred TAFE of Richmond, co-pilot Squadron-Leader Peter FISHER from Western Australia, Signaller Warrant-Officer Gerald BACQUOT of Wentworthville, and 18-year-old Aircraftswoman Margaret COSTELLO of Warragamba, who had enlisted just months earlier. Also aboard were two CSIRO “rain-making” scientists, Ronald STYLES of Caringbah and Fred CAMPBELL of Berowra – who were planning to observe and collect rain samples using specialised equipment.

The Dakota was renowned as one of the safest aircraft ever built, yet this flight often navigated “dirty weather” for scientific observations. On the day of the flight, Cronulla residents reported multiple large water spouts over the sea. Many believe the Dakota was engulfed in one of these spouts, crashing with such force that it sank immediately. The later RAAF enquiry, however, concluded that it was most probably misplaced lead counter-weights that had shifted. No final proof on the cause could be confirmed.

Over 100 RAAF and RAN personnel conducted an extensive search, with planes, ships, and helicopters scouring remote coastal areas for survivors. Small pieces of the aircraft, including ruptured life rafts and a WAAAF jacket containing a knife, fork, and lipstick, were recovered. Despite these efforts, the search was called off on 30 October, and it was believed that the six bodies lay in waters too deep to be recovered.

The crew and scientists had remarkable backgrounds. Ronald Styles, a Sydney University graduate and father of a one-month-old son, was a budding scientist in his twenties. Fred Campbell, a former Australian weightlifting champion, had been refused enlistment in Australia during WWII due to a reserved occupation, but travelled to New Zealand to join the RNZAF. He rose to Squadron Leader, participated in numerous European missions, and was involved in the Normandy landings, being Mentioned in Despatches for his service in Radar development.

The Shire Military History Club, led by Loftus resident Clive Baker, is seeking to make contact with any living family members or descendants of the Dakota crew or the two scientists. The goal is simply to connect and share knowledge about this important chapter in local and military history. Family members or relatives may wish to attend the unveiling of a new memorial at Cronulla on 29 March this year. Anyone able to assist is encouraged to contact Clive Baker on 0424 235 885.

Founded in 2016, the Club has grown from a handful of history enthusiasts to around 65 members, with a mission to uncover the Shire’s military history, educate youth and the community, and recognise local service personnel. Afternoon meetings are held at Miranda on the second Thursday of each month, welcoming visitors for talks without the need for membership. The Club also organises tours of historical sites and Woronora Memorial Park and publishes a quarterly journal, Action Report, highlighting research and local stories.

For further information, or to contribute to the Dakota crash project, please contact Clive Baker on 0424 235 885.

Families Sought: Names of Those Lost in the 1952 Cronulla Dakota Crash

RAAF Crew:
Flight-Lieutenant Alfred TAFE of Richmond
Co-pilot Squadron-Leader Peter FISHER from Western Australia
Signaller Warrant-Officer Gerald BACQUOT of Wentworthville
Aircraftswoman Margaret COSTELLO of Warragamba

CSIRO scientists:
Ronald STYLES of Caringbah
Fred CAMPBELL of Berowra