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The Australian War Memorial calls the Hudson RAAF’s workhorse – a description that feels about right. While the Boomerang and Spitfire captured the country’s imagination during WWII, the Hudson’s can-do attitude made it the more invaluable team-player. Simply put, it may be the most versatile aircraft RAAF has deployed.
Hudsons could transport troops and carry out patrols, but they were also adept as long-range bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. They could even be adapted to carry airborne lifeboats under their fuselage for air-sea rescue. While the type made its first flight in 1938, it served long after the war. In total, 2,941 were built worldwide, of which RAAF received 247 between January 1940 and May 1942 in several iterations.
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If you want to see one for yourself, restored Hudsons are on display at both the Temora Aviation Museum and the Australian War Memorial. Temora’s, A16-112, conducted anti-submarine patrols off the coast of WA and served out of Milne Bay, PNG, on bombing armed reconnaissance. Meanwhile, the War Memorial’s example, A16-105, was used to train RAAF aircrews and carried out supply flights during the Allied advance on Buna on PNG’s north coast.
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Murray Howlett
says:I thought that the War Memorial’s Hudson was on display at Canberra Airport?
Margie
says:That’s what I thought too Murray. Haven’t visited the airport for a year (everyone can guess why!) so I cannot confirm our thoughts.
Can’t read about the Hudson without thinking of the 1940 crash at Canberra. https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2020/02/one-fell-swoop-the-canberra-hudson-disaster/ for those interested.
David B
says:Fascinatingly, RAAF Hudsons actually attacked Japanese invasion shipping in Malaya hours before the attack was executed on Pearl Harbour.
However because of the time difference (it was the 8th locally while it was still the 7th in Hawaii) it is often forgotten that these airmen were in action before the Sunday morning attack at Pearl Harbour.
Col.jones
says:East-West Airlines used Hudsons to start the business. There is an example on display at Tamworth Airport.
Phil
says:My father was a radio operator on Hudsons as a RAAF airman attached to RAF 500 Squadron.
Very proud of him, though he rarely talked about it.