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  A-20C-5-DO Boston Serial Number A28-26  
RAAF
No. 22 Squadron

Pilot  F/O James Bell Knight, 19067 (KIA, BR) Geelong West, VIC
Crew  F/Sgt Keith Guest Thompson, 420078 (survived)
Crew  LAC Richard Francis McGlade, 13731 (survived)
Crashed  October 11, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Douglas Aircraft Company. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as A-20C-5-DO Havoc serial number 42-33180. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia in September 1943.

Wartime History
During October 1943, delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Boston serial number A28-26. Assigned to No. 22 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. This Boston was based at Vivigani Airfield on Goodenough Island.

Mission History
On October 11, 1943 during take off from Vivigani Airfield piloted by F/O James Bell Knight, the nose wheel collapsed causing the aircraft to skidd along the runway before hitting a ditch and flipping over causing a fire in the bomb bay killing the pilot. After the crash, the remains of Knight were recovered.

Memorials
Knight was officially declared dead the day of the mission. After his remains were recovered he was buried on October 12, 1943 at 2:00pm at the Australian War Cemetery on Goodenough Island. Afterwards, he was reinterred at the Bomana War Cemetery at A3. E. 3.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - A-20C-5-DO Havoc 42-33180
"33180 to RAAF as A28-26. Crashed and burned 10/43."
Boston in service with Royal Australian Air Force
ADF Serials - Boston A28-26 lists date of crash as 12/10/43 (October 12, 1943) incorrectly
"This a/c crashed on take-off for a bombing practice on 12/10/43 [sic, October 11, 1943]. The crew were killed as the 100lb practice bombs exploded in the a/c."
CWGC - James Bell Knight
WW2 Nominal Roll - James Bell Knight
WW2 Nominal Roll - Keith Guest Thompson
WW2 Nominal Roll - Richard Francis McGlade
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
October 12, 2022

Tech Info
Boston
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