The Temora Aviation Museums Lockheed Hudson has returned to the Museum resplendent in its new paint scheme.

The paint scheme is representing an A16-211 Hudson III bomber that served with No.6 Squadron RAAF during the decisive Battle for Milne Bay and later with No.2 Squadron in the North Western Area (Timor/Dutch East Indies -Indonesia).

The battle at Milne Bay occurred during August 1942 and was the first time that a Japanese invasion force was defeated anywhere in the Pacific/China/South East Asia area. A handful of Australian troops supported by two RAAF P-40 Kittyhawk squadrons and six Hudsons from 6 and 32 Squadrons RAAF fought off the Japanese in what proved to be the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

A16-211 survived Milne Bay and was flown to No.5 Air Depot at Wagga where it received a complete overhaul then transferred to No.2 Squadron flying out of Millingimbi in the Northern Territory. Together with four other Hudsons, A16-211 carried out an armed reconnaissance to Maikor and Taberfane (both Japanese floatplane bases) in the Aru Islands on 7th May 1943. One of the Hudsons was shot down by a floatplane fighter, while the other Hudsons received various degrees of damage. On returning to Millingimbi A16-211s undercarriage gave way and the aircraft ground looped. It was severely damaged and was converted to components. The remains of this aircraft are still at Millingimbi to this day. The Museums Hudson is painted to represent this aircraft that performed vital missions in the defence of Australia in the early days of the Pacific War.

The aircrafts representation of a Hudson that fought at the epic battle of Milne Bay honours both the pilots and ground crews that flew and maintained these aircraft in close quarters combat with Japanese troops who were quite literally fighting at the end of the runways from which the Hudsons were flying.

Peter Anderson, Museum Crew member, undertook considerable detailed research for the Hudsons paint scheme before the colours were matched and the final drawings for the camouflage and nose art were prepared. Irvine Signs in Temora produced the spray masks for the nose art and the many maintenance stencils that complete the aircraft’s authentic paint scheme. Worland Aviation Services in Albury NSW undertook the painting job and turned out a fantastic result.

The Hudsons first public appearance in its new scheme shall be at the “Salute to Veterans” (VP Day) air pageant to be held at Canberra on 14th August. The Museum is providing a strong presence at the pageant which commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII. As well as the Hudson, Temora’s contribution to the display includes the Spitfire, Canberra, Meteor, Vampire, Cessna O-2A and Tiger Moth.

Due to this group of aircraft participating in the large event at Canberra on Sunday 14 August, Temora Aviation Museum will only have a few aircraft on display at home base.

To see the Hudson up close for yourself – come to our next flying days here at the Temora Aviation Museum on August 27 and 28.