Joyce, Harold Theodore Retief (H T R)

Killed in action, in North American F-51 Mustang #340. 2Lt Joyce was flying as No.2 to Lt Pretorius, on a rail interdiction mission. About 20 miles north of the bomb line the No.3, Lt Beamish, reported that he had a coolant leak and he and the No.4 Mustang were ordered to return to their base at K-46. Not long after this, Joyce reported that his engine was smoking, and Lt Pretorius decided to also return to K-46. While en route, 2Lt Joyce reported that his engine was now alright, and Lt Pretorius decided that the two of them would bomb Inchon instead, as this was directly on their route home. He ordered 2Lt Joyce to arm his bombs, which instructions were acknowledged, and they went in for the attack. After Lt Pretorius had climbed away he observed a brilliant flash on a hillside south of Inchon, and despite repeated attempts he was unable to raise 2Lt Joyce on his radio. He concluded that 2Lt Joyce had flown into the hillside while making his attack. Lt Pretorius returned later that day with another flight of aircraft, but although they were able to find the crash site, there was no sign of 2Lt Joyce