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Aircraft History
Shipped to and assembled at the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt, Townsville.
It was then delivered to the 312th Bombardment Group, 387th BS at Hollandia via Cairns, Horn Island, 7-Mile Drome to Nadzab Airfield.
Damaged to its fin on July 4, 1943 while parked at Nadzab Airfield when A-20G 43-9391 exploded in its ravetment, and damaged ten nearby A-20's, including this aircraft. Afterwards, It was repaired with the tail fin from A-20G 43-9092.
Served with the 387th BS flying from Gusap and Hollandia flying low-strikes against Japanese
airfields including targets at Sawar, Sarmi,
Utarom, and Babo.
Mission History
In late 1944 it was damaged by by Japanese anti-aircraft fire in the wing. Pilots
had been instructed that, if badly damaged, they should put down at Tadji Airfield to avoid closing Hollandia which
was heavily used at the time. The squadron records do not show who
was flying #627 on the day it was written off, but after inspecting
damage to the airframe it was 'junked' and pushed to the side of Tadji
for parts.
Wreckage
This aircraft sat where the war had left it at Tadji until 1974 when
it was salvaged by Australian 'Monty' Armstrong for David
Tallichet's Yesterday's
Air Force (MARC). Under restoration for almost 30 years by MARC. Most recently it has been transfered to the PIMA Air Museum where restoration continues.
References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks cover, page 41
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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