Aerial victories by RAF Boston pilots

[Graham Boak]

I must admit being rather surprised that you could find any. Unlike the faster, more heavily armed, other types (Maryland, Marauder and Baltimore), the Boston was rarely sent out by itself on the long reconnaissances that provided opportunities. As a more vulnerable type dedicated to the light bomber role in support of the Army, the Bostons normally operated in tight formations that relied upon these for effective bombing, and any individual altering his position to improve his aim would not be popular. Plus the chances of an enemy fighter flying to be ideally placed for the rigid position required must be slight. Of course, if you are a Major then you were probably the senior officer in the formation anyway.

In North Africa the German fighters only rarely bothered the bomber formations, being happy to rack up large scores at the expense of the escorting fighters rather than trying to break up bomber attacks for the benefit of their ground troops. No medals to be had, or reputations polished, for that. So the Bostons were largely undisturbed, and after the move to Italy enemy fighter opposition was rarer anyway.