Aircraft History
RAF Serial Number AL907. Allocated to the Netherlands East Indies Air Force and assinged serial number 240 and Dutch markings. On their way via ship to the Netherlands East Indies, it was diverted to RAAF in March 1942 and assigned serial number A28-8. Served with 22 Squadron with the nickname "J is for Jessica" and the tail code DU-J.

The nose bombardier position not used. Instead, it was painted over, and fixed .303 machine guns installed for strafing. This aircraft was one of two Bostons field modified with twin .303 machine guns in the tail. (The other was DB-7 A28-9).

Mission History
Hit by anti-aircraft fire over Gasmata, this aircraft crashed on landing at Vivigani Airfield. Both crew members survived.

Wreckage
The wreckage of this aircraft remained until 1981 at the airfield. Charles Darby noted the orginal Dutch marking 'Kon Marine' and three rows of bomb markings still visible on the original paintwork. The engines, outer wings, fin and rudder were all taken, likely during the war.

Recovery & Display
This plane was recovered from Goodenough in 1981 and restored by RAAF technicians between 1983 and 1996. Today, it is on display at RAAF Museum at Point Cook.

References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 46

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Last Updated
December 15, 2008

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