This Day in History: 1942-01-30

On 30 January 1942, Pilot Officer John Gorton (future Australian Prime Minister) was flying a Hurricane of No 232 Squadron RAF when Japanese Zero fighters damaged his aircraft over Singapore. During the ensuing crash landing on Bintan Island, south-east of Singapore, the Hurricane overturned and he suffered facial injuries when his head hit the instrument panel. He was recovered by an RAF launch and was being evacuated to Jakarta when his ship was sunk. He recuperated in Australia. Source: Aircraft of the RAAF.