30 Squadron Commemorative Painting

Surviving members of the 30 Squadron Association were in attendance during a commemorative hand-over ceremony at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), acknowledging the important role 30 Squadron played during WWII.  Vice President of HARS, John Brooker was in attendance to receive a limited-edition framed print, containing the hand-written signatures of 13 surviving crew members from 12 aircraft crews.

“The painting depicts the action of the Beaufighters in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, their role was to attack shipping at very low altitude with skip bombs, a highly dangerous and courageous action.  A priority project within the society is to return to flying condition our Mk 21 Beaufighter, which will be perpetuated as a 30 Squadron aircraft in recognition of their actions”, John Brooker HARS Vice President.

30 Squadron was established at RAAF Base Richmond on 9th March 1942 as a long-range fighter squadron operating the venerable Bristol Beaufighter.  Following deployment to Papua New Guinea, it operated as a ground attack unit, a role in which the Beaufighter proved highly successful.  30 Squadron’s primary mission during the war was attacking Japanese shipping and coastal bases and in early 1943 the Squadron tool part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.