Andrew Forrest, Australia’s richest man, is on a mission to find the wreckage of a plane that his uncle, David Forrest, was flying when he was shot down defending Australia in World War II. This mission has been kept private for four years until now, with the search taking place in the Bismarck Archipelago north-east of New Guinea. The Forrest siblings, Andrew and Janie, have inherited the loss of their uncle through their late father, Donald Forrest, who was deeply affected by his brother’s death.
The search has been privately funded and has the support of the Papua New Guinea government, as well as assistance from the Royal Australian Air Force. The team has found wreckage of Japanese, American, and Australian planes, and uncovered the burnt-out fuselage of a Beaufort bomber similar to the one flown by David Forrest. Dive footage from 2021 shows the wreckage submerged underwater, sparking emotions for the Forrest siblings as they search for clues about their uncle’s fate.
While exploring the wreckage, bone fragments, cockpit levers, and identity plates were discovered, confirming the plane’s serial number as A9-186, different from David Forrest’s A9-188. The remains of Warrant Officer Clement Wiggins and Warrant Officer Russell Henry Grigg, from Australia, were identified from the wreckage. This discovery brought closure to the families of these airmen who had been missing in action for 79 years.
Despite not finding David Forrest’s remains, this mission has brought closure to the families of other lost airmen from the same crash site. Andrew Forrest remains committed to the search, not putting a limit on the expenses incurred in uncovering the truth about his uncle’s final resting place. The success of his iron ore and green energy ventures are measured financially, but this venture is fueled by a desire to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II.
The emotional impact of this journey has been profound for the families involved, as they finally have information about their loved ones who were lost in the war. The discovery of the remains has brought a sense of closure and gratitude to the families who had waited for decades to know their relatives’ final resting places. Andrew Forrest reflects on the bravery and sacrifice of his uncle and other young men who willingly faced death for their country, underscoring the importance of honoring their memory.
As the search for answers continues, the Forrest family remains dedicated to uncovering the truth about David Forrest’s final flight. A special memorial will be held for the families of the airmen lost in the crash, bringing closure and recognition to their sacrifices. Andrew Forrest’s commitment to this mission goes beyond financial calculations, focusing on the heritage and closure that can be achieved by bringing these brave young men’s stories to light after decades of uncertainty and grief.
