In general terms of claim to fame, the Hudson was the first American-built aircraft to see operational service with the RAF in the Second World War, the first RAF aircraft operating from the United Kingdom to shoot down an enemy aircraft in that conflict, involved in the first capture of an enemy submarine by air, the first land-based aircraft type to be delivered regularly by air across the Atlantic ... and the list goes on.
As far as Australian service is concerned, the Hudson was of even greater importance, and its claims to fame even more impressive. It was only the second American-designed aircraft chosen for the RAAF usage, but it was the first full-metal offensive aircraft type that the RAAF had used. No other aircraft type in RAAF service can match the statistics that this aircraft has.
Many of these statistics of this often overlooked aircraft, are mentioned in this volume. The rest of 'The RAAF Husdon Story' will be told in Book , which is still to be published.
Some readers may wonder why two volumes were necessary to cover this subject. The answer is that from the outset the compiler had decided to leave no stone unturned in his research. Couple that with the fact that twelve RAAF squadrons were equipped with this type of aircraft and it quickly becomes apparent that to cover the subject fully the results could only be expected to be of mammoth proportions and, without doubt, and unwieldy and expensive volume. It was therefore decided to split the history into two books, each with an operational and non-operational mix, the expectation being that most would have a specific interest in one volume or the other but not necessarily both.
The compilation of this work has relied heavily on official records, recollections, wartime diaries and correspondence provided by those involved. A wide search for Hudson-related literature found a mountain of material, a full bibliography of which will appear in Book Two.
A fascinating book for all with an interest in the RAAF and it's Hudson's aircraft.
Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Policy and Procurement
- The RAAF's Requirement and Subsequent Orders, mid-1930s-1942
Chapter 2: Operations Malaya, Sumatra, Java
- Nos. 1 and 3 Squadrons, 1940-42
Chapter 3: Operations Maritime Trade Protection
- Nos. 2, 6, 7, 13, 14, 23, 24, 32 Squadrons and No. 1 OTU on Coastal Surveillance and Convoy Escort Roles, 1940-1943
Chapter 4: Operations Mediterranean
- No. 459 Squadron, Middle East, 1942-1944
Chapter 5. Australian Hudson Training
- In-squadron Training and No. OTU, 1940-1945
Chapter 6. Special Transport Flight
- No. 1 OTU's Detached Flight in New Guinea, 1942-1943
Chapter 7. Survey Flight
- The Role of the RAAF in Photographic Survey Work to 1946
Appendix 1: Casualties
Appendix 2: The Fate of Personnel of Nos. 1 and 8 Squadrons Captured by the Japanese
Appendix 3: Air Cdre McCauley's Recollections on the Findings of the Court of Inquiry into the Evacuation of Aerodromes in Northern Malaya
Appendix 4: Hudsons Built for the RAF and used by the RAAF
Appendix 5: Camouflage and Markings
Index of Personnel
