Douglas Boston MK.IV – BZ405, 88 Sqn RAF, D-Day 1944

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA4209: Hobbymaster Douglas Boston MK.IV BZ405 of 88 Sqn RAF, 1944. Production run of only 400 models.

Length 8 inches Wingspan 10.25 inches

88 Squadron RAF was first formed at Gosford in July 1917 as part of the Royal Flying Corps. The Douglas A-20 was designated Havoc but British Commonwealth countries referred to them as the Boston in a bomber/attack variant and Havoc in night fighter and intruder variants. The RAF considered the aircraft to have too short a range to bomb German targets and in 1941 181 aircraft began to be used in night fighter and intruder roles. The RAF designated 169 aircraft as Mk. IV. The Boston Mk. IV BZ405 was scrapped in 1947.

With war approaching America knew it would be called upon to aid their Allies so a new aircraft would need to be developed. Douglas Aircraft designer Ed Heinemann’s DB-7/A-20 was chosen to be the new attack-bomber. The prototype flew in December 1938 with the first production aircraft flew on August 17, 1939. Production ran until September 1944 with 7,478 aircraft built. During WWII these were supplied to French, British, Australian, Dutch and Soviet forces as well as their own U.S. Forces.