RAAF 22 Sqn A-20A Boston Scheme's/Markings

[Sydhuey]

RAAF A-20A's, in May 1943 it was agreed between 5th AF HQ and RAAF HQ that with the losses and shortage of new aircraft that the 89th BS 3rd BG would hand over their A-20A's to 22 Sqn RAAF when the total number got below 15 aircraft in the Sqn, in Oct 43 89th BS had reached that level and with new A-20G's being available in the new year, 9 of the last 15 A-20A's were transferred to RAAF control, these were war weary aircraft having served with the 89th since the start of 1941 and brought out to the Pacific when the unit deployed in 1942, these aircraft had upward of 70 + missions each  and were worn out. These aircraft were transferred to 15 ARD in Nov 43 for repair and modification and the first aircraft was not issued to 22 Sqn till early 1944, several were broken up for parts and some stored at 15ARD, only about 4-5 were operated by 22 Sqn for only a few months mainly in the training role to take the load off the operational DB-7B's and A-20C's.

These aircraft were in the Std US Olive Drab over Neutral Grey in US service but it appears were repainted into the same scheme as the DB-7B's of Dark Green/Dark Earth over Sky (could be Sky , NG or Sky Blue), photo's exist of only 2 x A-20A's in RAAF service. While with 22 Sqn only 3 operational missions were ever flown with A-20A's, A28-34 and A28-35 , by Jun 44 all A-20A's were withdrawn from use , used as parts sources and converted to components in early 1945.

The odd aircraft out was A28-39 this aircraft was transferred to 3AD and stripped to NMF, had all armour and armament removed and used as a test aircraft and test pilot and pilot training aircraft . it was struck off charge in 1945 and scrapped in 1948, the last Boston in RAAF service. 

A28-32, (US data 40-0085 "She's Right" with 89th BS)

A28-33 , (US data 40-0143 "Cracker Jack" with 89th BS)

A28-34, (US data 40-3160 "Hell's Fire/FIFI" with 89th BS) DU-B with 22 Sqn

A28-35, (US data 40-0162 "Kentucky red/The Shadow" with 89th BS) 

A28-36, (US data 40-0077 "Baby Dumpling" with 89th BS)

A28-37, (US data 40-0118 "Bloody Bucket"  with 89th BS)

A28-38, (US data 40-0139 "Maid in Japan" with 89th BS)

A28-39, (US data 40-0144 "Salome" with 89th BS)

A28-40 , (US data 40-3159)

 

A28-34 DUB 22 Sqn 1944, note DG/DE scheme , std RAAF 36" 5/3 roundels in all 6 positions, 24" Sqn codes and serials in white, fin flash , note upper panel on nose is still the Perspex access panel , also 2 angled panels in lower nose remain Perspex, also ADF fitted.

 

How she looked with 89th BS early 1943

 

A28-39, stripped to NMF and with post June 44 markings , 48" 5/2 roundels , fin flash and serial in black, note most of nose converted back to Perspex panels.

Amberley 1945 used as a test and chase aircraft for new Mustangs, being in NMF and with all armament and armour removed was a very fast aircraft.

 

 

being scrapped 1948.

 

With 89th BS early 1943

   

 

Edited September 14, 2019 by Sydhuey

[Ozhawk40]

Great info Sydhuey, thanks for posting