- Japanese aviators retrieved a diamond-laden aircraft from the heavens; Diamond Jack separated the precious gems.
During the early stages of World War II's Pacific campaign in March 1942, the skies above Java were controlled by swift Zero fighter planes, as the imperial Japanese Army marched forward. A group of Dutch individuals, traveling in a Douglas DC-3-194 named "Pelican", attempted to flee Java for the safety of Australia. The aircraft was attacked by Japanese planes as it approached Broome, resulting in a crash into Carnot Bay.
Debris Ravaged by Hunters
Fortunately for the passengers, the pilot, Ivan Smirnow, was a skilled fighter pilot from World War I. Despite his Russian background and subsequent exile to the Far East, he had downed eleven German planes in the war. When confronted by three Mitsubishi Zeros led by ace pilot Zenjiro Miyano, however, he was no match. The DC-3's port side was riddled in the initial attack, leaving Smirnow gravely wounded. He strategically crashed the plane into a spin and plunged towards the ground, sparing the passengers an inevitable water landing.
Having barely survived, the luckless passengers found themselves stranded in the wreckage, while the Japanese continued their relentless bombardment. Unfortunately, the flight engineer and three passengers, including an infant, perished, and many others sustained severe injuries. The passengers' only hope lay in waiting for rescue.
The following day, the survivors were subjected to further bombing from a Japanese flying boat. They were eventually rescued after several agonizing days, though not before losing the plane's most valuable treasure – a small package of diamonds that the pilot had been instructed to hand over to the Commonwealth Bank upon arrival. Today, that haul would be worth a staggering $20 million.
Diamonds: A Dime a Dozen
Ivan Smirnoff was unaware of the diamond-studded contents of the package, allegedly due to a language barrier. As instructed, he delivered it to the Commonwealth Bank upon arrival in Australia, and it was tragically lost in the crash. Some reports suggest that the package split open upon impact, scattered the jewels throughout the plane, and never to be found again.
The first person to discover the wreck after the crash was Philipp Cox, who noticed the scattered stones as "colorful, worthless stones." Unbeknownst to him, the stones were, in fact, priceless diamonds. Meanwhile, sailor Jack 'Diamond' Palmer examined the wreck more closely, drawn to the stench of death that lingered around the bodies buried on the beach. Palmer allegedly collected the diamonds and hid them in salt and pepper shakers before handing over a fraction of his loot to the authorities.
Charges, but No Conviction
"He didn't return all of the diamonds," local guide Tomas claimed, hinting at Jack Palmer's clandestine activities. It is said that Palmer exchanged the diamonds for tobacco in a shady transaction, presumably assuming the Dutch government would be oblivious to the value of the stolen gems. Later, Palmer met with Major Cliff Gibson, the state prosecutor, and laid out his salt and pepper shakers on the table, revealing his ill-gotten fortune.
Although Palmer and two associates were charged with diamond theft, they were acquitted due to the war's distracting effects and the subsequent lack of evidence to prove the crime. Even after the trial, the Dutch authorities only managed to recover 7% of the stolen diamonds, and Palmer continued to live comfortably, having amassed an impressive fortune.
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Though the survivors were relieved to have escaped with their lives, the loss of the diamond-filled package was a significant blow. The other passengers could only watch as the value of their报庞骊 sharply decreased, now only worth a mere dime each.
Despite the disappearance of the diamonds, the story of the DC-3's crash and the subsequent events became a legendary tale among the military and treasure hunters alike. They continue to search for the lost gems, hoping to uncover the hidden fortunes that lie beneath the waves of Carnot Bay.
