On 11 October 1945, Flight Lieutenant Walter Morgan crashed near the Van Stadens River mouth in an Avro Anson.  He recalls the events in an Evening Post article.

Main picture: Avro Anson crashed at Van Stadens river mouth

“The crew ran into a low cloud and bad weather when returning from Bloemfontein to 43 Air School in Port Alfred.   They found themselves over the sea and headed for the coastline.  He saw the light, which he thought was the Cape Recife lighthouse.  Because of the low visibility, they climbed to over 2 00 feet. They were short one parachute and no rescue equipment.   The aircraft was low on fuel and dropped to 49 feet above the waves.   He crash landed, and no crew members were injured.” Lieutenant  Morgan left in search of help – and returned with a bottle of brandy and sandwiches for the crew. 

The twin-engine Avro Anson aircraft had been in wartime service operating from the Port Elizabeth airfield in a coastal reconnaissance role.  They later served as a trainer with the gun turret removed. In 1992, the remains of one engine mounted at the Van Stadens Resort were donated to the  Port Elizabeth SAAF Museum – Unofficial Page.

On Saturday, 17 February 2024, Sean Moorhouse and the Golden Eagle Youth Crew “rescued” the engine and moved it into the museum.  It will now be restored.  Wally’s daughter, Debbie Boardman, witnessed the move at the museum. 

The SAAF Museum Port Eizabeth in their #Pathfinder feature will highlight Lieutenant Wally Morgan. 

Source
Facebook page of the Friends of the South African Air Force Museum Port Elizabeth