The story of an Australian airman's unflinching bravery while enduring interrogation and finally his brutal execution.
Newton's story
William Ellis Newton was the third Australian airman to win the Victoria Cross in World War II .He was born in Victoria in 1918 and joined the RAAF in 1940. On gaining his wings he served as an instructor until May 1941, and was then posted to 22 Squadron, an operational unit, serving in the South West Pacific area. It was the only Australian unit to operate with the Douglas Boston; a type that served effectively in every war theatre.
Victory at Milne Bay
The Pacific conflict began in December 1941 with a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and co-incident with the invasion of Malaya and Hong Kong. Many gallant delaying actions were fought down the Malaya Peninsula by Australian troops; despite being heavily outnumbered and a total lack of air support. At Rabaul the Australian garrison was swiftly overwhelmed and it became a major staging area for the proposed conquest of New Guinea and possibly northern Australia. It was at Milne Bay in south east New Guinea that Australian land and air forces inflicted a defeat on the enemy.It was won by the barest of margins .The threat to Port Moresby was eased; allowing Allied forces to then concentrate on their defeat along the Kokoda Trail and beyond. From the outset RAAF and American squadrons were involved in bombing raids and supply missions in support of ground forces.
51 operational missions
Flight Lieutenant Newton established himself as a determined combat pilot during that period; carrying out 50 operational missions. On 16 March 1943 he was involved in a hazardous daylight raid on fuel and storage dumps at Salamaua. Newton’s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire that took out one engine and caused damage to the airframe and hydraulics. Despite these distractions he successfully attacked the target and limped back to base.
The fateful mission
Two days later on what was his 52nd mission he returned to the area to complete the destruction of a previously damaged building. This was the focus of the raid and was heavily defended with anti-aircraft guns. During Newton’s run up to the target his aircraft suffered fatal damage. He still pressed home his attack and scored a direct hit on the building. The crippled Boston staggered from the scene with one engine in flames. Newton endeavored to clear the area and save his crew but such was the damage he was forced to make an emergency ditching.
Capture and execution
Newton swam ashore in company with his observer Sergeant Lyons; the third crewmember did not survive the crash. The two airmen evaded patrols for only one day before they were captured, and shortly afterwards were transferred to Lae for interrogation. One can only speculate on on the agony of this episode, for they were then returned to Salamaua and on 29 March both airmen were summarily executed. Newton suffered death by beheading which was considered honorable according to the Samurai code. In reality it was an atrocity and contrary to the rules of war. Sergeant Lyons suffered brutally when he was tied to a tree and bayoneted to death. His identity was not revealed until October 1948. Following the capture of Salamaua in October 1943, Newton’s fate was established after identification of his body.
Victoria Cross
For his exploits on the March 16 raid Newton was awarded a posthumous V.C. The official citation of the award concluded thus: Flight Lieutenant Newton’s many examples of conspicuous bravery have rarely been equaled and will serve as a shining example to all who follow him.
