No mention of him putting the gear down from this report (National Archives of Australia).
"flying as No 1 with two accompanying aircraft, was detailed to patrol beaches in the Quistrehain area. The formation was over the Rebehomme area when No. 3 in the formation saw flak strike the Section Leader's aircraft in the belly either in the engine or just in front of the long range tank. The aircraft immediately lost speed and started to emit white fume trails. As the aircraft continued to lose height the pilot called on the radio telegraphy and said 'I am going to put this thing down in a field'. He continued to glide in a westerly direction to Quistrehain. Unfortunately, the aircraft struck water in a canal, skidded on the surface for a short period, and then nosed into the water, finally turning over comparatively slowly on its back, with the port wing half submerged in water and the remainder of the underside of the aircraft out water. So far as No 3 could observe... neither the hood nor the long range fuel tank were at any time jettisoned. No 2 and 3 continued to circle over the crashed aircraft at altitudes varying from 1,2000 to 1,500 feet.
It is deeply regretted that they did not observe any movement indicating that the pilot was getting out of the cockpit, nor did they see any persons approach the aircraft on the ground."
His service history can be seen here
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scrip....asp?B=5247700