RAAF Boston III Aircraft

[Daniel Cox]

Hi All,

Not strictly correct.

1. The RAAF did not designate their aircraft as Boston III and Boston IV.

2. The RAAF A/C did not carry bomb aimers, only a crew of two, pilot and gunner. All were modified with extra guns in nose as stated but, the layout differed according to version.

Peter

I would argue that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) did designate their aircraft Boston III and Boston IIIA at least for a period of their usage. I would also argue that the RAAF did carry bomb aimers albeit for a short period during their usage as well of the Boston as evidenced below;

22 Squadron, RAAF Boston III A28-4

Copyright Expired. A larger 5400x4050 pixel version of this image can be found here: 22 Squadron, RAAF Boston III A28-4

Shown above is a Douglas DB-73, DB-7B, Boston III; 3825, 226, AL893, A28-4 of 22 Squadron (Sqn), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as captured by Sydney Morning Herald Photographer F. J. Halmarick. The Boston is being towed by an unidentified Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt) of 22 Sqn, RAAF with a Clark Clarktor CT-6 Tow Tractor at Richmond, New South Wales, Australia, during the 20th of July 1942.

Also seen from left to right are; Three Avro Anson Mk I aircraft the middle one is AX619 which at the time as photographed was allocated to the Butler Air Transport Company for erection. To the right of the Anson’s in the distant background is a Fairey built Bristol Beaufighter Mk Ic of 30 Sqn, RAAF. F. J. Halmarick also photographed at least two Beaufighters of 30 Sqn including A19-5 at Richmond during the same day. In front of the Boston is an unidentified Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Wirraway. Although mostly obscured by the chap in the foreground a Hawker Demon that appears resplendent in camouflage paint, can be seen to the far right of the picture.

There are also at least six other RAAF Members pictured; one appears to the left of the Boston, coincident with its tail plane and just forward of the third Anson from the left. Another is seen in the foreground of the picture on the right. At least three can be seen in the background on the far right with the Demon. While one more can be seen in front of the tractor close to the Starboard wing of the Wirraway. Finally there are two persons of unknown organisation close to the Beaufighter.

The image shown above was published on page 6 in The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday 6 October 1942 with the following text:

‘PREPARING BOMBER FOR ACTION AGAINST JAPANESE

A Boston bomber attached to an R.A.A.F. squadron in Australia being hauled by a tractor to a dispersal point where it will be refuelled and reloaded with bombs and ammunition for its next operation against the enemy. These bombers, which have been in action in New Guinea are classed as one of the fastest medium bombers in the world.’

Also shown below are further pictures of the same Douglas Boston A28-4 as photographed on the same day at Richmond, New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright Expired. A larger 5400x4050 pixel version of this image can be found here: 22 Squadron, RAAF Boston III A28-4

The image shown below was published on page 7 in the Argus on Thursday 8 October 1942 with the following text:

‘BOMB-AIMER MAKES HIS EXIT.

The RAAF is now using powerful Douglas Boston bombers against the Japanese in New Guinea. Here the bomb-aimer is shown lowering himself from his post.’

Copyright Expired. A larger 5400x4050 pixel version of this image can be found here: 22 Squadron, RAAF Boston III A28-4

Copyright Expired. A larger 5400x4050 pixel version of this image can be found here: 22 Squadron, RAAF Boston III A28-4

Of interest is the Operations Record Book Entry for 20 July 1942 which states the following, ‘Nil Operations A28-9 (F/Lt Learmonth), A28-11 (F/O Newton) flown to 1 A.D. for installation of auxiliary fuel tanks. General Flying.’

On the Record

The following chronological listing is drawn from a variety of extant archival occurrences for Boston A28-4;

29 March 1942, AL893, A28-4, Received at 1 AD, RAAF, ex United States of America for erection. ¹

30 March 1942, A28-4, Awaiting erection at 1 AD, RAAF. ¹

2 April 1942, A28-4, To be erected at Geelong. ¹

20 April 1942, A28-4, Allotted 22 Sqn, RAAF ex 1 AD, RAAF. ¹

25 April 1942, A28-4, Richmond, New South Wales.

‘Boston Aircraft A28-1,-2,-3, and-4 flown from LAVERTON to RICHMOND.’ ²

27 April 1942, A28-4, Issued 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

4 May 1942, A28-4, E staillegible at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

18 May 1942, A28-4, E staillegible at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

15 June 1942, A28-4, E staillegible at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

20 July 1942, A28-4, Serviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

21 July 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4 Flight Lieutenant MORGAN, Anti Submarine Patrol, 06:10-09:45, Negative Results.

‘Negative Results’ 3

‘A28-4 (F/Lt Morgan), A28-22 (Sgt Smith) each carried out 2 Anti-Submarine patrols – Negative results.’ ²

21 July 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4 Sergeant SMITH, Anti Submarine Patrol, 12:15-15:35, Negative Results.

‘Negative Results’ ³

27 July 1942, A28-4, Unserviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

10 August 1942, A28-4, Serviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

13 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales.

‘A28-1 (P/O DREWE),A28-6 (F/Lt DILLON),A28-4 (P/O WINES), A28-15_(F/O BULLMORE) carried out anti-submarine patrols. Following pilot’s on conversion and full load tests :– P/O KENWAY,Sgt ADDISON,P/O ROWELL,Sgt McKay.

Flying Time 16 hours 05 minutes.’ ²

14 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer WINES, Anti Submarine Patrol.

‘A28-1 (P/O MULLENS),A28-4 (P/O WINES),A28-6 (P/O KENWAY) engaged on anti-submarine patrols.

Flying Time 14 hours 00 minutes’ ²

14 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer WINES, Ric. 12, Anti Submarine Patrol, 09:05-12:55, Negative results, Operational Instruction No 493.

14 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer WINES, Ric. 14, Anti Submarine Patrol, 14:40-17:55, Negative results, Operational Instruction No 493.

17 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer CRAIG, Ric. 51, Anti Submarine Patrol, 06:20-09:30, Negative results, Operational Instruction No 496.

17 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer CRAIG, Ric. 53, Anti Submarine Patrol, 12:00-15:40, Negative results, Operational Instruction No 497.

17 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Pilot Officer CRAIG, Ric. 810, Anti Submarine Patrol, 16:40-19:05, Negative results, Operational Instruction No 500.

24 August 1942, A28-4, Unserviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

27 August 1942, Richmond, New South Wales, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston III: A28-4, Flying Officer WINES, Ric. 3510, Anti Submarine Patrol, 05:40-10:10, Negative results, Operational Instruction. ³

31 August 1942, A28-4, Unserviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

7 September 1942, A28-4, Unserviceable at 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

21 September 1942, A28-4, Unserviceable, 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

6 October 1942, The Sydney Morning Herald, F. J. Halmarick Photograph, J12/19/53: RAAF BOSTON BOMBER SQUADRON 20.7.42, of A28-4 is published in the Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 6 October 1942, Page 6.

‘PREPARING BOMBER FOR ACTION AGAINST JAPANESE

A Boston bomber attached to an R.A.A.F. squadron in Australia being hauled by a tractor to a dispersal point where it will be refuelled and reloaded with bombs and ammunition for its next operation against the enemy. These bombers, which have been in action in New Guinea are classed as one of the fastest medium bombers in the world.’ ⁵

8 October 1942, The Sydney Morning Herald, F. J. Halmarick Photograph, J12/19/51: RAAF BOSTON BOMBER SQUADRON 20.7.42, of A28-4 is published in The Argus, Thursday 8 October 1942, Page 7.

‘BOMB-AIMER MAKES HIS EXIT.

The RAAF is now using powerful Douglas Boston bombers against the Japanese in New Guinea. Here the bomb-aimer is shown lowering himself from his post.’ ¹⁰

12 October 1942, A28-4, Allotted 3 AD, RAAF ex 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

31 October 1942, 3 AD, RAAF.

‘Work commenced on armament modifications to 13 Boston aircraft of No.22 Squadron, i.e., installation of 4.50 guns in nose.’ ⁴

2 November 1942, A28-4, Serviceable, 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

10 November 1942, A28-4, Received, 3 AD, RAAF ex 22 Sqn, RAAF. ¹

12 November 1942, A28-4, Estimated ready three weeks at 3 AD, RAAF. ¹

19 November 1942, A28-4, Estimated ready 10 days at 3 AD, RAAF. ¹

26 November 1942, A28-4, Estimated ready three to 10 days at 3 AD, RAAF. ¹

26 November 1942, A28-4, Awaiting Despatch.

‘Subject: SERVICEABILITY – BOSTON AIRCRAFT.

1. It is advised that the armament modification has

been carried out on all Boston Aircraft. The Aircraft have

been despatched as follows: --

A28 – 12 9/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron

A28 – 20 9/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron

A28 – 21 9/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron

A28 – 22 9/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron

A28 – 14 11/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron

A28 – 8 20/11/42 to No. 5 A.D. for engine change.

A28 – 1 21/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 5 21/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 7 21/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 15 21/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 11 23/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 9 24/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 16 24/11/42 to No. 22 Squadron.

A28 – 3 Awaiting despatch.

A28 – 4 Awaiting despatch.

A28 – 6 Awaiting engine cylinder estimate date of serviceability 28/11/42.

2. The engine modification, Supercharger Pinion Lock

Washer has been carried out on all Boston Aircraft.’ ⁶

30 November 1942, Reference 22 Sqn, RAAF.

‘MEMORANDUM: A.O.C.

re 22 SQUADRON

Spoke to D. Arm. (W/C Hannah). He understood

The re-armament had been arranged by North Eastern Area

themslves. On his recent visit to Townsville Area, Armament

Officer (W/C Garrison) had mentioned the matter; he took the view

that people on the spot consider it a good thing to do but was

content to agree. The modification could be installed under

Squadron arrangements if the Squadron was provided with the

Guns and gun mountings. The modification washes out the bomb

aimer’s position in the nose of the machine, and make it

unsuitable for high level bombing, but in view of the role allot-

ted to the American counterpart of 22 Squadron, it seemed that

A.20’s would be used for low level attack.

2. Subsequently spoke to W/C Garrison, who said the

proposal originated with Squadron Commander, who put it up to

S.A.S.O., and was told to go ahead. Intention had been to

instal the necessary modification during the period this Squadron

was waiting at Townsville. He estimated that Amberley could

make the necessary installations at the rate of one machine a day.

I told him there was urgent need for this Squadron at Maple; he

said he would contact Amberley forthwith, and let me know early

this afternoon what was the earliest day by which the 7 now at

Amberley and the 5 en route could be available at Maple.

3. The damage appears to have been done. Apparently the

re-armament was inspired by the example of the Americans, and no

doubt it had the blessings of A.O.C. North Eastern Area. Suggest

that either S.A.S.O. takes up the matter with S.A.SO., N.E.A.

or you may care to discuss with A.O.C. yourself. The main point

appears to be that, excellent as the modification may be, it en-

tailed delay in making the Squadron operationally available to

5th Air Force. The principle is clear, i.e, that R.A.A.F. Command

should be advised of any circumstances which make it impracticable

for a Squadron to comply with its operation orders.

4. W/C Garrison subsequently telephoned to say that 22

Squadron could not be expected at Maple until 3/11; this was the

Reason for sending 5 aircraft down to Amberley to re-arm. The

position now was that 3 aircraft were at Maple, 7 more now at

Amberley should reach Maple by 1/11, and 5 more should be ready

A few days after. He understood the balance of the aircraft

(2 at Richmond, 1 at Wagga) would not be fitted with the modification.

(Sgd) C.A.B. S/Ldr.

S.O.A.

30.10.42.’ ⁷

31 October 1942, Air Officer Commanding, RAAF Command, Allied Air Forces.

‘SECRET

COPY – Action Copy on File No.

400.51 Modifications – Aircraft

Brisbane, Q

31st October, 1942.

Headquarters,

NORTH EASTERN AREA.

MODIFICATIONS AFFECTING TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF EQUIPMENT.

Modifications to aircraft and other equipment or recom-

mendations to Air Board relating thereto, which materially affect

the tactical roles of aircraft are not to be originated by Areas with-

out the concurrence of this Headquarters.

Examples of infringement of this principle which have come

to notice recently, are :–

(a A recommendation from North Eastern Area directly to Air

Board for the provision of additional tankage in Beaufort

aircraft allocated to torpedo squadrons. Having regard to

the loadings to which the Beaufort is subjected when carry-

ing a torpedo, this recommendation proved unsound and was

made without knowledge of other measures which were under

consideration by this Headquarters at the time.

(b A decision which was implemented without the knowledge of

this headquarters, to install additional guns in Boston

aircraft allotted to No. 22Squadron. This modification

which appears to result in the aircraft becoming unsuitable

for level bombing, rendered the squadron non-operational

during a period over which it was the belief of this Head-

quarters that the squadron was available to move into New

Guinea for active service.

2. While it is agreed that in the case of 1(b the in-

creased armament is preferable to the ability to carry out level bomb-

ing, it will be appreciated that a change in the tactical functions of

aircraft may not always be acceptable to this Headquarters.

3. It is not intended to discourage in any way the submission

of recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of equipment to

enhance its tactical value but, on the other hand, if this Headquarters

is to be in the position to access the operational ability of squadrons

under its command, it must be kept fully informed.

Air Vice-Marshal.

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING

R.A.A.F. COMMAND, ALLIED AIR FORCES

• 
  

Copies to –

All Areas; Air Board; Forward Echelon, RAAF HQ.’ ⁸

1 December 1942, A28-4, Issued 22 Sqn, RAAF ex 3 AD, RAAF. ¹

3 December 1942, A28-4, Received 22 Sqn, RAAF ex 3 AD, RAAF. ¹

13 December 1942, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Flying Officer WINES, Armed Reconnaissance, 17:32Z -20:40Z, Operation No 7.

‘Bombed five enemy destroyers in vicinity of Cape Ward Hunt and straffed and bombed enemy troops and supplies. Two bombs fell approximately 10 yards from destroyer, nil damage observed. Two direct hits on stores concentration on beach south of Mambusi River, most of the stores considered destroyed. Bombs dropped at southern entrance to Kumusi River, results unobserved. Bombs dropped at barges south of Cape Endaiadere, nearest bomb approximately 100 yards from any barge. ’ ³

13 December 1942, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Squadron Leader LEARMONTH, Armed Reconnaissance, 01:28Z -03:05Z, Operation No 9.

‘Bombed and straffed enemy positions and supplies Membare Bay and coastal south of the mouth of the (Jacksons) Membare River. Four barges on beach east of mouth of Membare River destroyed. Fires started among native huts near mouth, south side of Gira River and at Ganora. Islands in mouth of river and the whole coastal area from Yangu Creek to Gira River straffed by several runs. Nil results observed and nil activity.’ ³

22 December 1942, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Flying Officer WINES, Armed Reconnaissance, 21:54Z-23:34Z, Operation No 27.

‘Bombed and straffed enemy headquarters, stores and dumps along track on west bank of Amboga River for 500 yards inland of coast.’ ³

1 January 1943, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Squadron Leader HAMPSHIRE, Armed Reconnaissance, 08:51L-12:00L, Operation No 49.

‘Bombed and straffed Salamaua Township and Sanananda Area, and reconnaissance from Salamaua to Amboga River. Direct hits on new Customs shed, building considered totally destroyed. Nil sightings or activity on coast or islands from Salamaua to Membare.’ ³

4 January 1943, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Flying Officer CRAIG, ‘Armed Reconnaissance, 10:20L-13:17L, Operation No 6.

'Straffed Sanananda-Geruwa track and west ban k of Amboga River. Bomb and strafed troops and supplies on north east bank of creek south of Dead Mangrove point. Nil sightings from Cape Kubumi to Alligator Point. Nil sightings form Alligator Point to Membare. One straffing run made along cocoanuts on beach, south of Dead Mangrove point. Nil sightings or activity on islands in delta. Nil sightings from Membare to Amboga. Boston A28-8, Pilot F/O.Drewe, left formation just before reaching Salamaua due to engine trouble. Landed on No.4 strip Dobadura.’ ³

7 January 1943, Port Moresby, Wards Strip, 22 Sqn, RAAF, Boston: A28-4, Pilot Officer WINES, Armed Reconnaissance, 05:38L-08:20L, Operation No 6.

‘Bombed and straffed grounded aircraft at Lae. Bombs dropped on south side of runway, between the sea and first blast bays, results unobserved. Bombs dropped on north side of strip, west of centre blast bays, results unobserved. Bombs dropped on north side of strip between sea and centre blast bay setting fire to unidentified medium bomber. Boston A28-4, Pilot, F/O.Wines, holed by ack-ack rendering hydraulic gear un-serviceable, aircraft crash landed at Jackson field. Boston A28-7, Pilot, F/O.Craig, damaged air-speed indicator in take-off, failed to carry out mission.’ ³

8 January 1943, A28-4.

‘Enemy A/A & aircraft fire shot away hydraulics illegible illegible in heavy landing Complete Write Off’ ¹

9 January 1943, A28-4.

‘ENCLOSURE 66A

From : No 22 Squadron.

To : No 1.Base Personnel Staff Office.

(Copy to No.9 Operational Group.)

Date : 9th JANUARY, 1943.

Ref : 2/1/AIR.

FLYING ACCIDENT – A28-4 – 6TH JANUARY. 1943.

CONFORMATORY MEMORANDUM – A.F.O. 18/E/2.

Further to our signal A12 dated 7th JANUARY, 1943,

the following report is submitted.

2. The Confirmatory Memorandum is submitted in accordance<p>with A.F.O. 18/E/2 para 5 ( .

(i) A28-4 was one of four aircraft engaged in a low bombing

and straffing attack against LAE at 0655 hours on 6th

JANUARY, 1943.

Heavy, medium and light A/A fire was intense and the main

Hydraulic line was hit by an explosive bullet by A/A fire

Or an enemy aircraft.

The bomb doors,flaps,brakes,and undercarriage were all

Rendered inoperative and the aircraft had to be belly landed.

After touching down at approximately 100 m.p.h.,the aircraft

Slewed to port and the fuselage broke in half aft of the

Pilots cockpit.

(ii) Four aircraft engaged in the same sortie. Pilots of the

other aircraft were :–

A28-3. Squadron Leader K.M.HAMPSHIRE. (147)

A28-9. Squadron Leader C.C.LEARMONTH. (385)

A28-6. Flight Lieutenant W.E.NEWTON. (748)

(iii) Squadron Leader K.M.HAMPSHIRE

Squadron Leader C.C.LEARMONTH

Flight Lieutenant W.E.NEWTON

No. 411020. SGT. GROVE. C. (W.A.G. of A28-4)

No. 411020. SGT. JAMIESON. H. “ “ “

(iv) Pilot of A28-4 :–

(a Flying Officer R.A.WINES (402432)

(b Total flying hours :- 453.00 hours.

(c Pilots flying assessment at S.F.T.S. Average.

(d Pilots flying assessment at O.T.U. Average.

(e Pilots flying assessment at Unit. Above Average.

(v) Not Applicable.

K.M.HAMPSHIRE,

Squadron Leader,

Commanding No. 22 Squadron.’ ⁹

14 January 1943, A28-4, Allotted 3 AD, RAAF ex 15 RSU, RAAF ^₁

Approval Given Conversion 1

26 January 1943, Approval Given Conversion, AMSE Approved, File 9/16/637 ¹

12 March 1943, Allocated to 2 AD, RAAF for Salvage ¹

Notes

¹ A28-4, Record Card-Airframes, Aero Engines, Mechanical Transport and Marine Craft, RAAF Form E/E88

² 22 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, Operations Record Book, RAAF Form A50, Summary of Events.

³ 22 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, Operations Record Book, RAAF Form A51, Detail of the Work Carried Out.

⁴ 3 Aircraft Depot, Royal Australian Air Force, Operations Record Book, RAAF Form A50, Summary of Events.

⁵ The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 6 October 1942, Page 6.

⁶ Correspondence regarding the [serviceability – Boston Aircraft] File No 1380/6/ENG, dated 26 November 1942.

⁷ Information Copy on File No 400.51, Modifications – Aircraft, Memorandum AOC, [re 22 Squadron], dated 30 November 1942.

⁸ Action Copy on File No 400.51, Modifications affecting Tactical Employment of Equipment, dated 30 November 1942.

⁹ Flying Accident A28-4, Confirmatory Memorandum, AFO 18/E/2, dated 9 January 1943.

¹⁰ The Argus, Thursday 8 October 1942, Page 7.

Abbreviations

AD Aircraft Depot

A.D. Aircraft Depot

AMEO Air Member for Organisation and Equipment

AMSE Air Member for Supply and Equipment

DTS Directorate of Technical Services

F/Lt Flight Lieutenant

FLGOFF Flying Officer

F/O Flying Officer

MAP Ministry of Aircraft Production

P/O Pilot Officer

PLTOFF Pilot Officer

RAAF Royal Australian Air Force

R.A.A.F. Royal Australian Air Force

RSU Repair and Salvage Unit

Sgt Sergeant

Bibliography

National Archives of Australia (Mitchell ACT)

Series No: A705

Item No: 62/1/327: Standardisation, Paint Specifications, 1943 to 1948.

Item No: 150/4/852: Air Member for Organisation and Equipment, Technical, Aircraft General Instruction C 11, Standard Aircraft Finishes, Markings and Markings of Unit Equipment, 1940 to 1941.

Item No: 150/4/1899: Technical Order, Publication, Double Wright, Instructon No 3, Boston IIIA Instruction No 2, Starting Procedure, Engine Limiting Figures and Operating Notes, Wright GR2600 - A5B Engines, 1942 to 1942.

Item No: 150/4/1900: Technical Order, Publication, Double Wright, Instruction No 4 Boston IIA Instruction No 3, Power Table and Operating Figures GR2600 - A5B Engines, 1942 to 1942.

Item No: 150/4/2010: Technical Order, Publication, Boston IIIA, Instruction No 1, Limitations to be Observed During Flying, 1942 to 1942.

Item No: 150/4/2217: Technical Order, Publication of Instrument order No 8/17, Boston IIIA, Order No 1, Oxygen Installation, 1942 to 1945.

Item No: 150/4/2311: Directorate of Technical Services, Publication of Technical Order, Boston IIIA, Instruction No 5, Boston IIIA, Self Sealing Fuel and Oil Tanks, Description, 1942 to 1942.

Item No: 150/4/4400: RAAF headquarters, Directorate of Technical Services, Technical Order Aircraft General Instruction Part 3, Section C, Instruction No 2, Doping and Finishing Schemes RAAF, 1943 to 1943.

Item No: 150/4/5056: Directorate of Technical Services, Publication of Technical Order, Publication of Aircraft General Instruction, Part 3, Section C, Instruction No 1, Camouflage Schemes and Identification Markings, 1944 to 1947.

Item No: 151/2/324: Formation, organisation and movement Number 18 Netherlands East Indies, 1942 to 1946.

Item No: 231/9/1002: Air Force Headquarters, Air Member for Organisation and Equipment, Organisation, Establishment, 18 Netherlands East Indies, 1942 to 1944.

Item No: 231/9/1002 Attachment: Air Force Headquarters, Air Member for Organisation and Equipment, Organisation, Establishment, 18 Netherlands East Indies, 1942 to 1944.

Series No: A2408

Item No: 9/45: Subject Registration Booklets for Department of Air Correspondence Files, Boston Aircraft, 14 April 1942 to 22 November 1944.

Item No: 32/25: Subject Registration Booklets for Department of Air Correspondence Files, Boston III - Aircraft casualties, 27 April 1942 to 29 December 1944.

Series No: A9186

Item No: 40: No 18 Squadron, NEI, Operations Record Book, Forms A50 and A51, 1942 to 1945

Item No: 45: No 22 Squadron, RAAF, Operations Record Book, Forms A50 and A51, 1936 to 1946.

Item No: 293: No 2 Aircraft Depot, RAAF, Operations Record Book, Forms A50 and A51, 1936 to 1961.

Item No: 294: No 3 Aircraft Depot, RAAF, Operations Record Book, Forms A50 and A51, March 1942 to June 1967.

Series No: A9845

Item No: 216: Boston A28, Accidents Part 1, 1942 to 1944.

Series No: A9845

Item No: 217: Boston A28, Accidents Part 2, 1943 to 1945.

Series No: A11083

Item No: 21/4/AIR: North Eastern Area Headquarters, Camouflage of Aircraft, 1941 to 1942.

Series No: A11093

Item No: 452/A28: RAAF Command Headquarters, Boston Aircraft - A28, 1942 to 1944.

Series No: A11095

Item No: 107/4/AIR Part A: Western Area Headquarters, Camouflage of Aircraft, 1942 to 1943.

Series No: AA1969/100

Item No: 22/5/AIR Part 1: No 2 Aircraft Depot, RAAF, Monthly Operational Record, 1942 to 1943.

Books

Byk, Gary, "Frend Bilong Australia Tru", The Douglas Boston in RAAF Service, Red Roo Models, 2000.

Wilson, Stewart, Boston, Mitchell & Liberator, In Australian Service, Aerospace, Sydney, 1992.

Mesko, Jim, A-20 Havoc, In Action, Squadron/Signal, Carrollton, 1994.

Apologies for providing an incomplete abbreviations list I will amend this later, If anyone has anything to add, correct or share regarding what I have posted above, please add to the discussion or contact me.

Cheers,

Daniel.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Daniel Cox

[Sydhuey]

G'day All,

New on here but have been building models since I was about 8 , I still build abit but mainly collect the Diecast models now as I don't have the time anymore, I saw some threads on my favorite subject Douglas Bostons so had to join, I'm an Aircraft engineer by trade (Helicopters)and curently work on S-92, AS 332 and Bell 412 Helicopters , and worked on S-70,CH-47,UH-1 ,C-130 ,Caribou and F-111 when I was "in", also worked on Zero, Mustang, Boston and a couple of other war birds over the years, Ok into the Bostons.

The RAAF operated 69 Bostons in 4 sub groups between early 1942 and late 1944, 22 x DB-7B Boston III's, 9 x A-20A Bostons ,9 x A-20C Bostons and 29 A-20G Bostons , The RAAF never had DB-7C's the 48 build for the Dutch all went to the USSR and the RAAF always refered to there aircraft as Bostons, the DB-7B's as Boston III's and the three A-20 variants as A-20A Bostons , A-20C Bostons and A-20G Bostons, I have seen referance to this on documents between the RAAF and USAAF.

The first 22 DB-7B's were part of a shippment of 32 DB-7B's diveted from the tail end of the British order for 480 Boston III's (this was an old French order taken over by the British after the fall af France) In fact the restored Boston at the RAAF Museum A28-8's old RAF serial was AL907 is the last of 240 build by Douglas, the other 240 were build by Boeing. Of these 32 a/c 6 made it to Java were they were subsequently captured by the Japanese, 3 of these 6 were made airworthy and were tested by the Japanese one aircraft AL904 went to the Japanese navy aircraft test unit and was recovered at Atsugi naval air station after the war. Four of the aircraft returned to the US and were consumed in the USAAF system and used as trainers in the US and the remaining 22 got to Australia in Mar and Apr 1942 and were susequently issued to 22 sqn RAAF, initialy the Bostons were refered to on paperwork at 1 AD RAAF Laverton and 2 AD RAAF Richmond by there British "AL" serial numbers as on there ID plates as a RAAF "A" number had not been alocated once A28 had been issued to the Bostons all official paperwork refered to them by that number (corresponence with the USAAF for maintenance etc the US serial was also used eg: A28-77 (43-22250)A-20G Boston).these aircraft were delivered in the standard US paint equivelants of RAF colours with Dutch orange traingles applied over RAF roundels, RAAF roundels were then applied over the Dutch markings.

These Bostons were tacked onto the mod program insigated by Pappy Gunn for the 40 Plus A-20A's operated by the 89th BS, and had 4 x .50's added thru what was the bomb aimers glass giving them 4 x .50's and 4 x .303's for the low level strafer role, the navigators in the sqn were posted out and the crew reverted to 3, Pilot and 2 x WAG's, as per the document in Daniels post above the mod program was done without the knowledge of RAAF HQ and they were not happy, but the Sqn CO and senior RAAF personel in New Guinea realised that the Boston was not ideal for the level bombing role in New Guinea they were turned into strafers and hundreds of destroyed Japanese aircraft and ships was the result.

The next 9 x A-20C's were issued to 22 Sqn in Sep 43 by this stage 22 Sqn was down to 9 operational Boston III's and needed more aircraft to remain effective these were taken from US stocks and were the only A-20C's to operate in the Pacific (P-70's used by the US in the Solomons and New Guinea were converted from A-20C's and were sister aircraft to the RAAF A-20C's) these aircraft were unique in there armament setup in that they retained the bomb aimers glass and had 3 x .50's mounted above the window rather than 4 x .50's thru it as on the Boston III's and A-20A's, these aircraft also had a strike camera mounted in the nose behind the bombaimers glass, long range tanks were also fitted, also about this time DF antennas are seen fitted to the Boston III's, A-20C's and then the A-20A's, the A-20c's were also faster than the Boston III's as the chin gun packs were not fitted as 2 x .50's were fitted instead of the 4 x .303's, these aircraft were also painted standard US Olive Drag over Grey ( though have seen photo of one aircraft in the same paint scheme as a Boston III.)

The next 9 x A-20A's were recieved in Oct 43 from the 89th Bs 3rd BG these were the last of 30 plus A-20A's operated by the 89th from late 42 in New Guinea at this stage as the US could not get any more A-20's it was decided to give the remainder to the RAAF and the 3 rd BG went to an all B-25 group until Jan 44 when the whole group converted to new A-20G's, these A-20A's were war weary and only used as hack and training aircraft and spares to keep the Boston III's and A-20C's going and were only ever used on two actual operations. One was shipped back to Australia stipped of paint and armament and used as a test and training A/C.These aircraft remained in std US olive drab over grey.

The next big influx of aircraft was starting in June 44 when the first of 29 new and near new A-20G's arrived by this stage the Sqn was down to less than a dozen operational aircraft again and needed more urgently to remain operational by this time the US had a huge influx of aircraft into the SW Pacific and was able to supply the RAAF with the A-20G's, (a big change from Sep/Oct 43 when the RAAF and USAAF struggled to get a dozen A-20/Bostons into the air, the US forces by mid 44 now had 12 A-20G sqn's operating thru New Guinea and working up towards the Philippines), of these A-20G's 23 were very late model -40 and -45's the other 6 were early -10 A-20G's(no turret) these -10's were not used on operations and used as hacks and trainers and as spares, the impact of the G models on 22 sqn was huge in the 5 months the sqn operated the G models it flew twice the operational missions the Sqn had flown in the previous year, these aircraft were all in standard US olive drab over grey, only one A-20G carried nose art and that was A28-60 DU-P "Hilda Shane" it was the aircraft of the CO Sqn Ldr Woodman and of the 21 missions flown by this aircraft before it was destroyed in a Japaneses air raid Sqn Ldr Woodman flew it on 20 of them. The remaining A-20G's were returned to the USAAF when it was decided to equip the sqn with Australian Build Beaufighters not a popular move as the Beaufighter was harder to fly not as forgiving as the Boston and generaly not as well liked as the Boston.

Myths and mistakes with Australian Boston history.

1/The Dutch and RAAF never operated DB-7C's the 48 DB-7C's build for the Dutch never came to the Pacific they all went to the USSR as the Dutch no longer wanted them they switched to the B-25 as there prefered aircraft for longer range and bomb load for operating over the NEI.

2/RAAF/Dutch markings when the aircraft landed in Australia they had Dutch triangles applied over RAF roundels in 4 positions (Lower wing and fuselage side)and the fin flash painted over,with the AL serial number on rear fuselage when the RAAF got them they had standard RAF markings(which the RAAF also used then) reapplied -red/white/blue upper and lower wings ,red/white/blue/yellow fuselage rondel and red/white blue fin flash and A28 serial number applied over AL number, the yellow on the fuselage roundel was painted over before the Aircraft went to New Guinea and the red in the fin flash and the red in the centre of the roundels painted over before they went into action, In Australia the aircraft ran no codes on them when they got to New Guinea a large single code letter was applied fwd of the fuselage roundel, in the beginning of 1943 RAAF HQ issued orders for all operational aircraft to have a two letter Sqn code applied as 22 sqn was the only Boston sqn and 30 sqn was the only Beaufighter sqn operating in New Guinea they didn't get around to applying sqn codes till they moved to Goodenough island in Jun/Jul 43, others such as Kittyhawk and Beaufort units as there were 3 to 4 sqn's of each operating in the area applied the two sqn code letters much earlier, so any photo of a Boston with a large single letter fwd of the fuselage roundel was taken between Dec 42 and June 43 when the sqn was based at Port Moresby , if they have the DU Sqn code applied fwd of the roundel and the single aircraft code letter (now reduced in size) the photo was taken after the sqn moved to Goodenough Island in Jun/Jul 43.

3/Bill Newtons aircraft, this series of constant mistakes annoys me more than anything, Bill Newtons assigned aircraft was A28-15 "Q" (Spirit of Sport") because of breakdowns/maintenance/battle damage he only ever flew it on one mission the other 16 missions he carried out were in a variety of other aircraft between start of Jan 43 and his loss in Mar 43 (also 50 plus sorties), the 16 Mar mission the one he was primarily awarded the V.C. for was in A28-7 "H" and he was lost on the 18 Mar in A28-3 "C" (mistakingly called DU-Y), these aircraft still only had the single letter code and any picture or model of an aircraft with DU code is of an aircraft post Jul 43 4 months after Newton was lost his aircraf "Q" became DU-Q in July 43 and was lost over Gasmata New Britain 12 Sep 43, A28-7 Became DU-H in Jul 43 and was writen off after a crash at Milne bay in Jun 1944, various photo's of DU-Y which is said to be Newtons aircraft are actualy A28-18 reissued to the sqn in Jan 44 after a rebuild and coded DU-Y why this aircraft is thought to be A28-3 is unknown

I will put up photos to cover all the points I brought up when I work that bit out.

Edited October 12, 2018 by Sydhuey

[Sydhuey]

Codes and serial numbers of RAAF Bostons I have been able to identify from researched over the years.

DB-7B's

A28-1 'A'

A28-2 none lost before operations

A28-3 'C' lost before DU Sqn code applied

A28-4 'E' lost before DU Sqn code applied

A28-5 DU-F

A28-6 DU-G "JAPANESE GHOST PRODUCER"

A28-7 DU-H

A28-8 DU-J "Jessica"

A28-9 DU-K "SHE'S APPLES"

A28-10 DU-L

A28-11 DU-M

A28-12 None before loss

A28-13 'O' Lost before DU sqn code applied "ROCKY'S GAL"

A28-14 'P' Lost before DU sqn code applied "HOOLEY F. DOOLEY"

A28-15 DU-Q "SPIRIT OF SPORT"

A28-16 DU-R "INDOOR SPORT"

A28-17 None lost before operations

A28-18 DU-Y (2)

A28-19 None lost before operations

A28-20 none before loss

A28-21 'X' Lost before DU sqn code applied"THE LEPRECHAUN"

A28-22 'Y' lost before DU sqn code applied "RETRIBUTION"

A-20C's

A28-23 DU-O (2)?

A28-24 DU-P (2)

A25-25 DU-N

A28-28 DU-U

A28-30 DU-W

A-20A's

A28-34 DU-B ex 89th BS 3rd BG 40-3160 "HELLS FIRE"/"FIFI" (one name each side of nose, name while with the 89th)

A-20G's

A28-50 DU-A

A28-51 DU-B

A28-52 DU-C

A28-53 DU-D

A28-54 DU-E

A28-55 DU-F

A28-57 DU-J (2)

A28-58 DU-K (2)

A28-59 DU-M

A28-60 DU-P (3) "HILDA SHANE"

A28-63 DU-T

A28-64 DU-N (2)

A28-65 DU-G (2)

A28-66 DU-H (2)

A28-67 DU-V (2)

A28-68 DU-X (2)

A28-69 thru 74 A-20G-10 aircraft not used on operations and not issued code letters.

A28-75 DU-A (3)

A28-78 DU-R "Topsy" This aircraft is often missidentified as a A-20J , typing error in serial number should be 43-22148 ,error typed as 43-22140 no J models served in the Pacific and a photo has turned up recently to prove id number as a 'G'

Numbers in Brackets refer to the second or third time an aircraft code letter was used

Edited May 7, 2017 by Sydhuey

[Sydhuey]

DB-7B Boston III AL904 captured by Japanese on Java and tested by Japanese Navy test unit

Same aircraft found after war at Atsugi naval air base in Japan

ID plate for same aircraft

[Sydhuey]

A much used photo in various RAAF history books, A-20 Boston books and articles on Bill Newton, with Bill Newtons aircraft DU-Y.... its not! This photo was taken on 24 Mar 44 of 22 Sqn Bostons forming up over Kiriwina Island on the way to attack New Britain, this photo was taken a year after Bill Newton was shot down in A28-3 "C" , DU-Y was A-28-18 taken on strength by the sqn in Jan 44 after a major rebuild. two other features to set time period, DF antennas were not added to aircraft till late 1943, also DU-W is a A-20C didn't come on strenth at sqn till Oct 43, aircraft in this photo are; DU-Y A28-18, DU-K A28-9, DU-F A28-5, DU-W A28-30, and the 3 a/c in the distance are DU-U A28-28, DU-H A28-7 and DU-L A28-10 and out of shot to left (seen on original photo) DU-N A28-25.

Actual mission log of the 24 Mar 44 Mission

One of the A-20C's with bomb aimers glass retained with strike camera visible behind glass with 3 x .50's above window and no side blisters as .50 fitted to each cheek position, The A-20C were generaly painted Olive Drab over Neutral Grey

Edited October 12, 2018 by Sydhuey

[woody37]

That's some great research, thanks for sharing

[Paul Wagner]

That's awesome info, thanks! So, to be clear, did any RAAF Boston ever go into combat with the Nose glass fully clear/unmodified?

Paul

[Sydhuey]

G'day Paul,

No,the Bostons ran glass noses while they did antisubmarine patrols on the East coast between April and end of August 1942 then the sqn moved to Charters Towers in September in preperation for the move to New Guinea many of the squadron moved to Port moresby including navigators, It was in september 42 that the CO of 22 sqn Sqn Ldr Bell and senior RAAF personel saw that the glass nose level bombing role was not ideal for the New Guinea operations so the aircraft were tacked onto the US mod program at Charters Towers, Townsville and Amberley were the US under Maj Pappy Gunn were modifing A-20's and B-25's for the 89th and 90th sqns of the 3 rd BG, the RAAF Bostons were modified during Oct and early Nov 42 and the Sqn carried out its first combat mission in New Guinea in the solid nose strafer version on 15 Nov 42, all navigators had left the sqn by this time, one of the Navigators in the Sqn at the time Jack Woodward describes in his book "Three Times Lucky"arriving at the sqn the move to Port Morsbey the mod program and leaving the sqn before combat ops started.

[Paul Wagner]

Cool. Since you seem to know what you're talking about can I ask you about colour schemes? Esp for the Boston IIIs - I've been told the standard Dark Green/dark earth/sky scheme mostly depicted is way too simplistic...?

Paul

[Sydhuey]

Paul,

For the Boston III's all I can say is K.I.S.S., simplistic is good and yes the Dupont versions of Dark Green , Dark Earth and Sky for the Boeing built machines and Fuller paint for the Douglas built machines is spot on, there was nothing special about these aircraft they were taken off the tail end of the RAF contract as an interim filler for the Dutch till there DB-7C's were ready, only thing marking wise was "Kon Marine" painted on nose and the Dutch triangles over the RAF markings, the serial number batch was Boeing build AL347-AL369 and Douglas build AL887- AL907, if you see pictures of RAF machines with serial numbers close to these they will all be the same only variation would be machines going to the mid east had there Green overpainted, Now once the machines got into action in New Guinea from the beginning of 43 there was a shortage of paint so you will see patches in Australian Dark Green, Olive Drab and Australian Foliage Green, as they lived outside in the tropics fading was a major issue, but if an Aircraft went back to 3 AD at RAAF Amberley( were all the over hauls/rebuilds of Bostons took place , they had at least 3 wrecked Bostons there as a parts source (A28-19, A28-4 and A28-2) they came out in the standard original colours (look at the photo above of DU-Y, A28-18 this aircraft came out of a complete rebuild in late 43 and was delivered to the sqn in Jan 44 this photo was taken in Mar 44 you can see the colours are crisp and unfaded, the Boston III's stayed in there 3 colour schemes there whole lives (or as close to as possible) the only oddity is the underside colour, The aircraft retained the std Sky colour however aircraft that bellylanded were more than likely repainted RAAF Sky Blue , so if the aircraft had a history of damage and bellylanding (happened to a few of the Bostons) was more than likely Sky Blue if no history of damage  original Sky Type S,  the A-20C's were a mixed bag some were in the three colour scheme (A28-25 DU-N) but most were in Std Olive Drab over neutral Grey (A28-23 DU-O, A28-24 DU-P, A28-28 DU-U ,A28-30 DU-W), these aircraft had quit rough paint jobs with the old stars and bars painted out with olive drab and various patches in whatever shade of a dark green they could get, The A-20A's just stayed in std US Olive Drab Over Natural Grey and the A-20G's were the same though the initial batch of G's had nicely applied markings you can not see the old stars and bars etc but latter batches ended up more like the C models with whatever paint they could get , also marking became lazy only the a/c serial number not the A number was added to latter a/c eg, DU-V was only 67 not A28-67, and some had lower wing roundels some didn't. A28-60 DU-P "Hilda Shane" the CO's aircraft I have been told was kept immaculate until its loss in the Bombing raid on 22 Nov 44.

A28-8 undergoing restoration as can be seen after 60 years the colours are still quite good , US Fuller Dark Green, Dark Earth and Sky (A28-8 Douglas built)

If you compare to the picture of the Japanese Boston AL904 the schemes are very close A28-8 is AL907

P.S. don't take any notice of the paint scheme on A28-8 DU-J at the RAAF museum now the colours are wrong, the shades are out a long way when it was done in gloss paint (for posterity reasons)the paint is close to the original spec but comes out in a differant shade in Gloss compared to Matt, also the bomb log is wrong it should be green not yellow , the paints they used to do the bomb logs in New Guinea was half white and dark green they had no yellow paint just made do with what they had, when the museum are told the bomb log and paint colours are out they get a tad upset and don't want to talk about it!!

Edited September 1, 2020 by Sydhuey

[Nick Millman]

That'll disappoint a few people who like to tell others that "the standard Dark Green/dark earth/sky scheme mostly depicted is way too simplistic"!

[Sydhuey]

These are photos of the original aft L/H fuselage skins removed from A28-8 at its restoration, you can see it has retained it's colours pretty well for 60 years (restoration was more than 10 years ago), these skins are interesting as it has the complete set of markings as applied to this aircraft, cardboard cut out roundels have been made to let you see the positions of the old markings easier.

The aircraft was build with RAF markings, Yellow,Blue,White,Red, these were overpainted with Brown and Green and Dutch Orange triangles were applied (should have black boarders but I didn't have Black when made the cut outs), you can see the positions of these triangles, when the RAAF got the aircraft full RAF roundels were applied again, Yellow,Blue,White,Red, the Yellow was painted out faily early in RAAF service before the Sqn moved north, the red centre's were painted out before the aircraft went to New Guinea when the nose gun mod program happened, and you can see the position of the 'U' in the sqn code , L/H DU-J. R/H J-DU . The paint in the roundel area was quite thick we picked at the paint and using magnifying glasses can confirm the paint layers went Cam paint, RAF Roundel,Cam paint, Dutch Triangle,RAAF roundel (no cam paint over dutch triangles as RAAF roundel completely covered them), cam paint over Yellow.

[Daniel Cox]

Hi All,

I concur with Sydhuey that the yellow was painted out before 22 Squadron moved north, as evidenced on other Boston III aircraft as well as A28-4 that were photographed at Richmond, New South Wales on the 20th of July 1942.

Cheers,

Daniel.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Daniel Cox

[David E]

The A-20C were generaly painted RAAF Foliage Green over Neutral Grey

Photos of A-20Cs and As in the Red Roo book suggest the original Olive Drab and Neutral Gray with evidence of over painting of the larger US markings - on the uppers probably with Foliage Green.

[Sydhuey]

Mission Totals for RAAF Bostons

I'm still working on some of the Boston III Totals, I lost a spread sheet and am doing another.

DB-7B Boston III's

A28-1 ?

A28-2 Nil

A28-3 17 at loss

A28-4 6 at crash

A28-5 ?

A28-6 ?

A28-7 ?

A28-9 49 at crash

A28-10 ?

A28-11 ?

A28-12 Nil

A28-13 ?

A28-14 28 at loss

A28-15 ?

A28-16 ?

A28-17 Nil

A28-18 ?

A28-19 Nil

A28-20 7 at loss

A28-21 28 at loss

A28-22 3 at loss

2,12,17 and 19 were lost before operations even started, 12,20 and 22 were blown up by 20Ib bombs blew up in the slipstream after release destroying a/c. 5,6 7,9,10,11 all had close to 100 missions each these 6 aircraft bore the brunt of ops with the Sqn from the start of 43 to mid 44 when the C model and G models took over.

A-20C Bostons

A28-23 55 at retirement

A28-24 51 at loss 18/3/44

A28-25 30 at write off

A28-26 Nil at write off (flipped over blew up killed crew just after delivery)

A28-27 18 at loss 30/1/44(shot down killed crew including CO WC Emerton)

A28-28 41 at retirement

A28-29 3 at loss 3/11/43 (shot down crew including CO at time WCTownsend reported MIA turned up a moth later)

A28-30 44 at retirement

A28-31 Nil never used on ops (history of the aircraft a bit of a mystery went to 3AD and broken up for spares)

A-20A Bostons

A28-32 Not used on ops by RAAF

A28-33 Not used on ops by RAAF

A28-34 1 (only used once)

A28-35 1 (only used once)

A28-36 Not used on ops by RAAF

A28-37 " "

A28-38 " "

A28-39 Not used on Ops by RAAF shipped back to Australia all armament , armour and paint removed used as training and test aircraft.

A28-40 " "

A-20G Bostons

A28-50 18 at loss 26/9/44

A28-51 30 at write off

A28-52 20 at write off

A28-53 15 at loss 22/9/44

A28-54 34 at write off

A28-55 11 at loss 24/9/44

A28-56 4 at return to USAAF

A28-57 27 at write off

A28-58 44 at return to USAAF

A58-59 19 at write off

A28-60 22 at write off

A28-61 4 at loss 15/9/44

A28-62 21 on return to USAAF

A28-63 2 at crash and write off 6/9/44

A28-64 7 on return to USAAF

A28-65 20 at write off

A28-66 25 on return to USAAF

A28-67 19 at write off

A28-68 18 at write off

A28-69 not used on ops by RAAF retured to USAAF

A28-70 " "

A28-71 " "

A28-72 " "

A28-73 " "

A28-74 " "

A28-75 1 at write off

A28-76 3 at write off

A28-77 12 on return to USAAF

A28-78 10 on return to USAAF

51,52,54,57,59,60,65,67,68,75,76, all damaged or destroyed by Japanese bombing raid 22/23 Nov 44 Morotai

Edited September 1, 2020 by Sydhuey

[Sydhuey]

G'day David,

I said the C's were a real hotch potch of colours, as I said A28-25 DU-N was in the same 3 colours as the Boston III's, the others I believe were MAINLY Olive Drab over Grey, I think the aircraft are Olive Drab with repairs and touchups in Dark Green or Foliage Green.

Also the photo of the .50 cals getting loaded shows the strike camera in the nose and the 5 x .50's very well.

Edited March 7, 2013 by Sydhuey

[Paul Wagner]

Great, thanks, very helpful!

My last question is related to what kit I am to get for a A20C - what's the actual difference between a Boston III and A20C? In RAAF use, no chin guns, and different nose guns, but anything else visibly different? Rear gunner the same, or did the C do away with that?

Paul

[Sydhuey]

Paul,

they are structuraly the same, C's ,5 x .50's ,no blisters (the cheek .50 barrels jut out about 6-8 inches,bomb aimers glass panel retained,strike Camera behind glass, solid engine cowls (no cooling holes as on the Boston III's and A's), Rear gunner single .50 instead of twin .303's. You can see most of this in the above C shots, which kit , I would use the Boston III/A-20B kit from MPM in 1/72 (Both kits have a B and C noses in them), 1/48 italeri or AMT Boston III (same kit) no decal kits available for a C but could use the Novascale kits for most of the markings.

[cdk]

Hello Paul,

A20C built by Boeing have the same exhaust like the Boston III. A20C built by Douglas had a new different style as also seen on the A20B and early G. They were single exhaust stacks. Some are in the place of the former big single exhaust of the BostonIII and some are on the bottom cowl flaps. And to make it a bit more complicated they are not symetric on the left and the right engines. Have a very carefull look to pictures.

Claus

[David E]

G'day David,

I said the C's were a real hotch potch of colours, as I said A28-25 DU-N was in the same 3 colours as the Boston III's, the others I believe were MAINLY Foliage Green over Grey, A28-30 DU-W was definatly known to be in Foliage Green and I believe A28-28 DU-U and A28-24 DU-P were as well I have attached photos of a few A-20C's I believe as Foliage Green is a much darker colour than Dark green or Olive Drab , I think the aircraft are Folige green with repairs and touchups in Dark green or more likely Olive Drab.

Respectfully disagree, Sir.

- I've been studying photos of WW2 RAAF aircraft since I was growing up on base as a RAAF brat in the 60s and blokes who've been at it longer than that hesitate to make a call on colours based on contrasting shades. Widespread use of orthochromatic film and various filters makes it mission impossible. I have good examples of this in some of my Dad's photos from his postings to 18 (NEI) Sqn and 114 ASR Flight, of aircraft where the colours are very well known.

- Check out your photos of DU-U. The fuselage "patching" just happens to be the exact size and shape of the USAAF "bars"" on their insignia. We can see the same effect on Geoff Atherton's P40N Cleopatra III where the fuselage insignia has been painted out - we know that his aircraft was in the original Olive Drab 41, so why is the painted out area lighter? See above.

- Photos of DU-W generally show her paint scheme was so stained, faded and worn that I wouldn't even hazard a guess to what it was. She is listed as having a strike camera so may well be in the AWM photo above in a scheme that could well be OD/NG.

- From your listing above (tallies with the ADF Serials listing) I guess you have copies of the Aircraft Status Cards. Check out the processing times for these aircraft through 3AD, very hard to see where there was time for such extensive repaints as suggested.

- 3AD was loath to do complete repaints unless absolutely required, from P39s in 1942 to Spitfire VIIIs in 1945.

And we can rule out Dark Green for patch jobs as its use outside of DAP (early Beauforts), CAC (early Boomerangs maybe) and DHA (Tiger Moths intended for RAF) was rare indeed.

Back to your comments on Jessica. She's lived five minutes from me since 1998 and I've been a frequent visitor since then. Even on arrival I''d hesitate to describe her as appearing glossy - satin at most. Comparing her current paint job with FS 595, the colours used are pretty close to those often quoted as equivalents to the DuPont RAF equivalents so I don't think a real bad job was done. Fuselage codes should probably be faded Sky Blue rather than white, as was required at the time.

I can only think of a couple of RAAF Museum staff who would get a little bent at the criticism of Jessica's bomb log colour. One, it would depend on the day, the other has far greater concerns around crumbling hangar doors and dodgy plumbling.

Strongly recommend both the Boston and RAAF colours books from Red Roo - no link to them, just impressed by the standard of their research.

Daniel, I looked for Mr Malone's post that you've quoted above without success. Context is important, especially when you're taking issue with someone who's forgotten more about RAAF aircraft than I will ever know. Not sure why you started a new thread.

[Sydhuey]

David,

yep I have all those books , I have just about every book and magazine articles written on Bostons in the last 20 years, you may be right and I am leaning more to standard colours Olive Drab over Grey , the A-20C's were problem children with colours as they looked so rough, the DB-7B's were straight forward , and the A's were the same as were the G's , I was an apprentice at Wagga (worked on Zero under Dennis Doggett) when the Bostons came there then they were moved to Amberley when I was at 3AD, did work on Jessica with Dennis there as well, and I don't think the colours its in look correct, yes the paint specs were checked and it was painted but the finished paint job did not match original panel colours or colour photos of DB-7's in US service.

Also the AWM has film on no known origin of an aircraft doing stafing runs you see three lines of tracer from above and a single line of tracer at each lower corner, do you know of any aircraft other than a 22 sqn C model Boston that would have a tracer pattern like that?

Edited March 7, 2013 by Sydhuey

[Daniel Cox]

Hi David,

Here is the discussion where Mr. Malone of which I might add I did not know it was Mr. Malone, made his statements here on Britmodeller. I started the new thread simply because I was not inclined to hijack the thread since it was a thread largely about USAAF ETO A-20G Havoc aircraft. Mr. Malone made claims that were factually incorrect I felt it was worth addressing I also felt in addressing it I could also share with you and others some information about A28-4 and its use by the RAAF hence a new thread.

There are plenty of errors of fact as propagated by all of us including myself and Mr. Malone on occasion in forums like this. That said when I am wrong and considering this is a discussion forum I am happy for this to be pointed out and discussed. I confer the same respect upon Mr. Malone or anyone and presume they are robust enough in personality to appreciate the correction of errors when they are wrong.

Mr. Malone claimed the "RAAF did not designate their aircraft as Boston III and Boston IV" this is factually incorrect as demonstrated by me with the provision of primary source documents as examples to prove that the RAAF did use the designation of Boston III and Boston IIIA for example.

Mr. Malone also erroneously claimed that RAAF aircraft did not carry bomb aimers, again my post provided evidence proving that claim in error. A28-4 for example had a bomb aimers position in RAAF possession from the 29th of March 1942 till at least the 10th of November 1942 and flew 11 Operational Patrols with a bomb aimer from 21 July 1942 through to 27 August 1942. A28-4 was typical of 22 Squadron Boston III aircraft at the time.

I also messaged Mr. Malone to point out my post in order to encourage his discussion on the subject, which so far he has chosen not to add to. So to be fair I have offered Mr. Malone every opportunity to discuss his mistaken claim.

I did not presume that people should just take my word for it because of whom I may be, I provided notes, photographs, images of primary source documents and a reasonable bibliography of sources to assist anyone who doesn't believe my statements to check my claims against primary source evidence.

I provided the correct information, despite the evidence you question why I would question him because he's forgotten more than you will ever know about the RAAF, if you have evidence that proves me wrong provide it, play the ball not the man.

I give up precious family time to share with the Britmodeller community, historical aviation information based on primary source research that I have undertaken, it is not based on some book I have read or a third hand anecdote I have heard. I have also brought new information to light on some Second World War Aviation subjects and have enjoyed participating in discussions of the same where I have provided information and learned alike.

Perhaps David you might come with me when I visit the Treloar Technology Annex at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) or come to the AWM Library when I order boxes of archive folders so I can photograph their contents or visit State Libraries, interview former aircrew, pay for documents to be digitised by the Australian National Archives or help me pay for images and documents from the Imperial War Museum and UK National Archives and much more instead of questioning why I would point out Mr. Malone's mistake.

So I'm not sure why you have taken issue with me starting a new thread which is a discussion on RAAF Boston's and not USAAF ETO A-20 Havoc's as the other thread was. Although you may not like it I do not apologise for noting misinformation, the whole idea of an authors infallibility is ridiculous. Of course you are welcome to believe Mr. Malone's errors over the evidence that I have provided, who am I to change your mind, since who I am appears to matter more than the facts.

Cheers,

Daniel.

Edited September 4, 2012 by Daniel Cox

[Ed Russell]

The post you are looking for is here (it started as an ETO thread so you are forgiven for not finding it.)

http://www.britmodel...c=234924409&hl=

I don't see any problem starting a new thread because there is so much new information.

PS - You might want to edit your post as your quote marks include everything and it looks kind of messy.

Edited September 4, 2012 by Ed Russell

[Daniel Cox]

Hi All,

Closed gills, RAAF Boston aircraft 20 July 1942;

No. 22 Squadron, RAAF

No. 22 Squadron, RAAF

No. 22 Squadron, RAAF

Open gills, USAAF Havoc aircraft July 1942;

1A35091 5

Click on the links above for access to the full resolution 1800x1200, 1200x1200, 1200x900 and 900x600 pixel crops as shown above.

Cheers,

Daniel.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Daniel Cox

[cdk]

Hello Sydhuey,

please can you tell us something about the interior colour on A28-8? The pic's I have seen from the restored machine looks like some sort of Greygreen and not like US Interior Green.

This colour is applied in the Cockpit and in the wheel wells.

Claus