Bostons of 22 SQN, Bill Newton VC
No.22 Squadron RAAF went into action on the outbreak of WW2 and were the only RAAF unit flying the venerable Douglas Boston. Operating it from 1942 until late 1944, they were involved in many significant events, including the defence of Port Moresby 1942-43, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea and taking of Markham Valley.
A Victoria Cross was awarded to 22 Squadron pilot, Bill Newton, for his actions on 16-18 March 1943, while flying the Boston. This print features the A28-7, the aircraft he flew while leading the attack on Salamaua on 16 March. He was shot down on the 18th while flying A28-3 and, along with the other surviving crew member, was later killed by the Japanese.
These early Bostons were bult under a British order but were reassigned to the Royal Netherlands East Indies. As Java fell before the aircraft could be delivered, these Bostons were passed on to the RAAF which, in 1942, was desperate for modern bombers.
The second Boston print features the later ‘G’ model Boston, the last of the type operated by 22 Squadron….but I’ll talk more about this aircraft in another post, These artworks are based on the in-depth research undertaken by Mark ‘Syd’ Harbour.