8 SQUADRON - RAAF
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WW2
8 Squadron was formed on 11 September 1939 at Fairbairn. The squadron was initially equipped with Douglas DC-2's and DC-3's. They re-equipped with Lockheed Hudsons in May 1940.
In August 1940 they moved to Sembawang, Singapore where they stayed until moving to Kota Baharu in February 1941.
They moved back to Sembawang in August 1941. They then relocated to Kauntan in December 1941 for a short while then back again to Sembawang in the same month. They moved to Palembang in January 1942 and then Batavia in February 1942 where they disbanded.
The squadron was reformed on 12 March 1943 at Fairbairn with Australian built Bristol Beauforts prior to moving to Bohle River.
8 Squadron RAAF, a torpedo Bomber squadron, was based at Bohle airfield near Townsville from 31 May 1943 until 23 August 1943 when they moved to Goodenough Island.
In April 1944 they moved to Nadzab and then on to Tadji in June 1944 where they were disbanded on 19 January 1946.
The following photographs were supplied by Jack Smith (134318), ex 8 Squadron RAAF Flight Mechanic.
8 Squadron Personnel - Jack Smith is 3rd from right in the front row.
Jack Smith running up the engines
at Tadji
in 1945 after an 40 or 80 hourly inspection
8 Squadron personnel
8 Squadron Personnel
Propaganda leaflets dropped by 8 Squadron while based at Aitape
Reverse side of leaflet
Propaganda leaflet
Propaganda leaflet
Propaganda leaflet
Crash of an 8 Squadron
Beaufort into the sea
about 20 miles east of Townsville on 14 June 1943
Crash
of a Beaufort, A9-229, possibly from 8 Squadron
at Bohle River air strip on 10 July 1943
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I'd like to thank Jack Smith (134318), ex 8 Squadron RAAF Flight Mechanic, for his assistance with this home page.
Can anyone help me with more information?
"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products
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This page first produced 14 July 1998
This page last updated 2 March 1999