The Loss of RAAF Boston A28-20, Gona, Papua, November 1942

Abstract

<p>The term 'aviation archaeology' has been broadly defined as 'the investigation of material remains associated with the act of flying'. Some have suggested that such archaeological investigation is not necessary as all has been recorded within the written historical record. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. While the historical record is of course invaluable, an aircraft wreck's value as an historic artefact from which information about the aircraft itself and the circumstances of its loss cannot be understated. This paper will discuss a multi-disciplinary approach of analysing both the historical record and surviving physical artefacts to gain a more complete understanding about the 1942 loss of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boston A28-20 and the larger ground battle in which it was engaged.</p>