These photo were taken at Antil Plains in Queensland in mid 1942 just after Major Monsoon suffered a nosewheel collapse when it was inadvertently taxied into a ditch.

Antil Plains was named as such due to the substantial number of dirt large ant hills in the area, some of which towered as high as seven foot. The unit was stationed at this remote location away from Townsville due to the fear of Japanese air-raids, and would conduct bombing missions in New Guinea by staging through Port Moresby.

If you look at the below photo of the same incident, you will notice that the B-26 had two unfolding top canopies for quick entry and exit. When the Marauders were delivered to the 22nd BG, fresh from the Martin factory, these were both covered with a deep blue felt to keep out the sun.

It was a nice touch of luxury for a fast combat bomber which could, as a matter of fact, fly faster than a bomber which could, as a matter of fact, fly faster than a Zero in straight and level.

 

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