Simpson Harbor, Nov 2, 1943

[daviemax]

Great photos, much appreciated, thanks for posting.

[Hemiman]

The one question I had about the 3rd was that they were originally equipped with A-20s, but as their numbers were worn down, they were not replaced and the 3rd switched to B-25s, before returning to the A-20s in early 1944 when they became available again. Why was this? Were the A-20s earmarked for Lend Lease before any would be sent to the Pacific?

Pre-War, they had a mixture of A-20's and A-24's. When they arrived in Australia in 42', No A-20's arrived at first, but some clapped out A-24's did, along with the remnants of the 27th's. Pappy Gunn and Big Jim found out about the Dutch B-25's and depending upon what you like to read, either were given or "borrowed" them.
The B-25's went to the 90th and 13th sqdns, the A-24's went to the 8th and when they finally started arriving, the -20's went to the 89th. After the Convoy Mission in July 42' when the 8th lost most of the -24's, the 8th and 89th ended up sharing A-20's/crews till the -25's started arriving in 43'. From around March 43' till after the Rabaul Mission, only the 89th flew A-20's. When the Group moved to Nadzab most of the B-25's had been transfered out, with a couple remaining as from what I understand for use as Lead or Navigation birds..

[Hemiman]

Thanks Chris! would be great to see it in a 3rd paint scheme...

Bill

[Hemiman]

Chris.. The 89th had some outstanding noseart, but my favorite is of dad's favorite pilot, Jim "TWO-GUN" Brown and his mount "BUB'S BROTHER".. Plane was named for his brother who was KIA at Anzio

[lmritger]

Great pic thanks Bill. I have to ask: who is the fellow stuffed in the cockpit behind the pilot? (laying or sitting?). From what I saw of Lewis' A-20, there's no passage between the rear gunner and the cockpit, only bomb bay...

That would be Lieutenant Liferaft.

I love the big question mark on the tail too... what a cool bird. And what a crying shame there weren't more A-20s preserved.

Lynn

[Hemiman]

Great pic thanks Bill. I have to ask: who is the fellow stuffed in the cockpit behind the pilot? (laying or sitting?). From what I saw of Lewis' A-20, there's no passage between the rear gunner and the cockpit, only bomb bay...

Chris, the guy (a non-flying officer who's name escapes me right now) is lying on his stomach on the life raft. I understand that on one mission, Chuck Howe had a observer fly there.. Yeesh!

[Hemiman]

well, one more time to the top. We're down to 1 8th Sqdn member who flew that mission who is still with us, BG.(Ret) Bill Webster.. His good friend and fellow 8th Sqdn pilot who made that trip to Simpson Harbor,Ed Shook, took his final flight this past January.. Talked to Bill briefly to thank him for his service. Sorry guys, just can't keep from bring it back up to honor what they did that day..

[lmritger]

well, one more time to the top. We're down to 1 8th Sqdn member who flew that mission who is still with us, BG.(Ret) Bill Webster.. His good friend and fellow 8th Sqdn pilot who made that trip to Simpson Harbor,Ed Shook, took his final flight this past January.. Talked to Bill briefly to thank him for his service. Sorry guys, just can't keep from bring it back up to honor what they did that day..

And I, for one, am very glad that you make it a point to bring this back to the top each year, because it's a remarkable thread full of incredible images and history.

Lynn

[RHenry]

13th Sqdn

Interesting a couple of these have a fifth gun in the nose... I've never seen one like that

[Hemiman]

Yes, one of the early strafer mods done by Pappy Gunn was the 4 .50's and a 20mm along with the side mounted 50's. the 8th Sqdn had a couple. I believe the idea was dropped for multiple reasons, different trajectory of the 20 being one of them

[Hemiman]

Well, the 72nd anniversary of this mission is here. My good friend and favorite General, Bill Webster is still hanging in there! I'll be calling him in a little bit to thank him again for his service to our country, and to remember the sacrifices of his friends in arms so long ago..

Bill

[Hemiman]

One more time. Hopefully someone can add to the post..

[Mark Allen M]

One more time. Hopefully someone can add to the post..

Keep your thread going. It's always been one of the best..


November 2, 1943


November 2, 1943


Rabaul in c 1943


Rabaul in Sept 1943


'November 2, Bloody Tuesday ... Rabaul, 2 November, 1943' by Jack Fellows




Rabaul, Simpson Harbor c 2012

[Hemiman]

Thanks Mark.. Spoke to my friend and favorite General tonight. He's still in good spirits and health. Have some pics to add once I upload them to photobucket.

[DH82EH]

Man! Those guys really had some great big giant brass ones.....
Thanks for bringing this thread back to the top.
The images are truly amazing.

I have no doubt that the friendship of these amazing men, is one of the most valuable things in your life.
Something to be truly cherished.

Thanks again.

Andy Scott