MARCH 13, 1943
OVER FORT HERTZ VALLEY
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From The Dragon's Wings by William Leary On March 13, 1943, "Orin Welsh and crew were lost." This CNAC aircraft departed Kunming, China, returning to its home base. Late in the afternoon, Catp. Welch, reported his position over Fort Hertz Valley. It is presumed he was slightly south of the direct course. An extremely turbulent storm was reported over the Patkai Range. This ship was unreported after entering Fort Hertz Valley. It is presumed to have crashed on the Patkai Range, but the wreckage was not located. Crew declared dead. Source: The Aluminum Trail by Chick Marrs Quinn Orin Welch, 01/13/43, C-53, #49. Crew of 3 killed, Co-pilot: M.P. Hwang, Radio Operator: S.W. Hwang, both Chinese. They took off from Kunming for Dinjan. Orin reported his position over Ft. Hertz Valley. It is presumed he was slightly south of the direct course. An extremely turbulent storm was reported over the Patkai Range, but the wreckage was never found. It was assumed that the 110-pound tin bars, he was carrying broke loose and cut his control cables in going down through the fuselage. Two other captains, in the same storm, at the same time had the tin bars come loose. George Huang's tin bars went through the ceiling instead of the floor as he was flying a C-47. Source: Peter Goutiere, in the Himalayan Rouge. |