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Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday 30 April 2018, Wilko Jonker died after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic modeling were his hobby and on this website he shared all the knowledge he has collected over the years. His hobby has been able to distract him from the persistent disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

This website will be maintained by different people for as long as possible, so that other enthusiasts can continue to benefit from extensive content.

Douglas DB-7/A20 Boston

Published: Saturday, 25 June 2011 11:09 | Print | | Hits: 11460
Page 2 of 6

In service with RNlNAS and NEIAF

In service with RNLNAS.

Late 1941, 48 Douglas DB-7B Boston torpedo bombers were ordered. Due to the rapid Japanese advance they could not be delivered on time.

Given the urgency the U.S. government decided to assign a number of 32 Douglas DB-7B Boston IIIs attack bombers from a running production order for the RAF to the Dutch navy.
Six aircraft were shipped and arrived on February 27, 1942 in the port of Tjilatjap.
The aircraft were unloaded on the quay and there was started with the assembly. Early March was the first plane ready, a second one was in an advanced stage, when the first bombing of Tjalatjap occurred.
Both aircraft escaped from the bombing and on March 5 one aircraft succeeded to start and to fly to Tasikmala. After another raid, the situation had become untenable and the Dutch had to retreat. At least one DB-7B fell in Japanese hands.

The other aircraft were still on their way and were directed to Australia and handed over to the RAAF.

In service with NEIAF.

In April 1942 the 18th Squadron NEIAF was established.
it was equipped with the already arrived North American B-25C Mitchells N5-132, N5-134, N5-135, N5-151 and N5-161. (see the article North American B-25 Mitchell of the NEIAF.). Due to lack of parts, tools, etc., the combat readiness of the squadron was very low. The USAAC was eager to take over the five Mitchells and suggested to exchange them with Douglas A-20 Bostons. The NEIAF considered this type less suited for the task of no 18 squadron NEI because of their shorter range and bomb load, so the NEIAF did not agree with this proposal

Nevertheless rather unexpected the first of a total of about fourteen Douglas A-20As arrived on 7 June 1942. On June 12, 1942 arrived the next three A-20As and the rest shortly thereafter.
On June 16, the first aircraft, registrations 40-077, 40-101 and 10-082 were already flown back to Brisbane. On June 18 a fourth A-20A with registration 40-155, was returned to 22 Squadron, RAAF at Richmond. On June 23, the remaining ten aircraft were handed over to 22 Squadron RAAF.

The Douglas A-20A Boston has been in use for about two weeks by no 18 Squadron NEIAF. There were a few flights made by the Dutch crews, such as Lt. Hagers.

 Further information about these aircraft is very welcome!