Another rare Australian photo brought to you by Aerothentic

Photos do not get much more rare than this one. Taken at Vunankanau, Rabaul just BEFORE the Japanese invasion of Rabaul in January 1942, it shows a Lockheed Hudson bomber of RAAF No. 24 Squadron.

These Hudsons fared badly against Japanese fighters and were soon relegated to either training, transport or reconnaissance roles. No 24 Squadron also flew Wirraways in New Guinea, and later on, Vultee Vengeances.

This exact aircraft is RAAF A16-39, which was assigned squadron code letter U.

In charge of No 24 Squadron was Wing Commander J. M. Lerew who was placed in a hopeless situation. RAAF Headquarters Melbourne refused his withdrawal after which he sent the most famous telegram in RAAF history - a message in Latin which translated as "We who are about to die salute you". The response from Melbourne authorised his withdrawal.

Shortly after seizing Rabaul, the Japanese Navy made Vuankanau their bomber base. Before long Mitsubishi G4M1 Bettys from the Kisazaru Kokutai would replace Hudsons like this.

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