OCTOBER 11, 1943
BOSTON EXPLODES IN TAKE OFF CRASH

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PHOTOS AND EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS.

Laurie Crouch - Fitter/Armourer.

October 11, crates on standby but nothing much doing; made some watchbands. After lunch, crews were picked to go to Dobodura. I was in A19-157 flown by Squadron Leader Thomson. Picked up our gear from camp then back to strip. Saw a Boston crash taking off; nose wheel collapsed and it skidded along until it struck a ditch at the end of the strip, went over on its back and caught fire; two gunners got out but pilot killed. Loaded with 8 x 100lb bombs which blew up with a terrific roar, scattering the crate everywhere. Not a good prelude to our take-off. Off at 1545 and flew in formation; a good flight and beautiful coral reefs. Plenty of ships at Oro Bay and Buna. Strips and dispersal area changed so much since we were here last; hardly recognisable. Dispersed our crates, covered them and refuelled. Went to 24 Squadron to camp in an old Yank Mess. They had our beds ready for us. Tea at 46th Service Sqn; a Yank outfit; good kai. Pictures ‘Young Tom Eddison,’ Les Bromilow went with me. A disturbed night; bombs dropped in vicinity, no damage. Met Mick Hudson and Hugh McDonald. Swim in pool.

Don Kirkwood - Navigator.

October 11, Monday, much panic today. First call was for a bash on Palmalmal ack ack positions with S/L Boulton in A19-54. The aircraft as nearly always was u/s as regards electrical equipment. The trip was scrubbed. At 1153 I was called to be ready with gear and be prepared for a two night stay away from camp. McCarthy turned up so this was scrubbed too. At 3pm a Boston taking off had its nose wheel collapse. She skidded along the strip on its nose and port wing ran off the end and finally turned over. It burst into flame and during the fire the bomb load exploded a 500lb included. The gunner and armourer escaped, pilot killed.

George Dusting - Fitter IIE.

October 11, interviewed by the Provost Marshals tonight, cross-examined, and asked to make a statement, which I did. We weren’t charged but a lean view is taken by No. 9 Operations Group, and it looks serious for us. What luck. After having such a good record too. A Boston went in today while taking off and burnt. Pilot killed but the other two got out. Her bombs blew up.