The Fighter Ineffective at Shooting Down Planes (Yet Still Won the War)

In 1942, as the Pacific War intensified, Australia faced an uncertain future. Japan’s rapid expansion threatened the nation directly, sparking fears of invasion. With the United Kingdom and United States focused on their own battles, Australia realized it could not rely solely on outside support. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), responding to this dire need, turned to local manufacturing to produce a homegrown fighter: the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Boomerang. This nimble, rugged aircraft was Australia’s first domestically produced combat plane, designed to patrol and defend the northern skies. Though the Boomerang was far from perfect, it marked a turning point for Australian aviation and offered a sense of security in the nation’s vulnerable moments.

As the Boomerang took to the skies, its operational history unfolded with highs and lows, reflecting both the aircraft’s capabilities and limitations. Although its service revealed shortcomings in its firepower and speed, the Boomerang became a symbol of Australia’s resilience and determination to defend its homeland.

The Boomerangs’ First Test in Combat

On a May evening in 1943, two Boomerangs soared above Horn Island in Torres Strait, the northern frontier of Australia. Flying Officer Johnstone and Sergeant Stammer, seated in the tight cockpits of their fighters, patrolled the vast stretch of sky. The day’s quiet was soon interrupted when three dark shapes appeared on the horizon. The silhouettes were unmistakable: Japanese Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” bombers, known for their long range and powerful bomb loads, were advancing toward Australian airspace.

The Boomerangs’ engines roared as Johnstone and Stammer engaged the enemy. The compact fighters sped forward, their Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines pushing them to maximum power. Although the Boomerang was not as fast as some Allied fighters, its rugged build gave the Australian pilots a fighting chance. As they approached the bombers, the Boomerangs unleashed their arsenal, which included two 20-millimeter cannons and twin 7.7-millimeter machine guns. The fighters’ tracer rounds cut through the twilight, illuminating the darkening sky.

But as rounds hit the Japanese bombers, Johnstone and Stammer quickly realized that the Boomerang’s firepower was not as effective as they had hoped. The “Betty” bombers, known for their reinforced structure, managed to withstand the onslaught. Despite their best efforts, the Boomerangs couldn’t bring down the enemy planes, which soon disappeared into the clouds, leaving the Australian pilots frustrated. The encounter marked one of the first tests of the Boomerang in direct combat, revealing the limitations of the homemade aircraft in taking down heavily armored bombers.

The Birth and Challenges of the Boomerang Fighter

The Boomerang’s development had begun in 1942, as Japanese forces swept through the Pacific. Australia, feeling increasingly isolated, needed a fighter capable of defending its skies. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation was tasked with creating a new fighter from scratch. The team designed the Boomerang as a single-seat, single-engine monoplane. With a wingspan of 36 feet and powered by a 1,200-horsepower engine, the Boomerang had a compact and agile structure. Its armament, although limited, included cannons and machine guns, making it one of the more heavily armed fighters in Australia’s arsenal.

Though the Boomerang was rushed into service due to wartime pressures, it soon became clear that the aircraft faced significant challenges. Its short nose obstructed the pilot’s forward view, making takeoffs and landings difficult for inexperienced pilots. To mitigate this, engineers adjusted the placement of the reflector gun sight, which helped improve visibility but did not solve the issue entirely. Moreover, the Boomerang’s speed was lower than that of other Allied fighters, meaning it struggled to intercept faster Japanese aircraft effectively.

The Boomerang Enters Frontline Service

In April 1943, the Boomerang officially entered frontline service. Number 83 Squadron, stationed in Queensland, received the first batch of Boomerangs, which replaced the American-built Bell P-39 Airacobras. Though the P-39s had served well, the arrival of the Boomerang instilled a sense of national pride in the squadron. A few months later, Number 84 Squadron, located at Horn Island, received its Boomerangs, placing them on the front line of Australia’s defense in the Pacific.

These squadrons carried out regular patrols, with pilots constantly scanning the skies for potential threats. Despite the Boomerang’s shortcomings, the aircraft provided a valuable morale boost to Australia’s airmen. It served as a visible reminder that the country was taking steps to defend itself and was no longer solely reliant on foreign aircraft.

The Boomerang’s Ground Attack and Support Missions

The Boomerang’s role shifted as it continued its service. Recognizing its limitations in direct combat, the RAAF found that the Boomerang excelled in ground attack and close-support missions. Its agility and sturdy build made it well-suited for low-level flight, allowing pilots to strafe enemy positions and provide cover for ground forces. The Boomerang became a reliable asset in these roles, proving its worth despite its challenges as a fighter.

On another tense evening in May 1943, a Boomerang scrambled from RAAF Learmonth near Exmouth Gulf. Flight Lieutenant Roy Goon, stationed at the base, received word of incoming Japanese bombers. Goon swiftly took off, his Boomerang climbing quickly to an altitude that few Japanese fighters could match. As he approached the bombers, Goon maneuvered his plane with skill, using its short wingspan to stay close to his targets. Although the Japanese bombers dropped their payloads early and withdrew, Goon’s quick response demonstrated the Boomerang’s role in deterring enemy attacks.

Despite these achievements, the Boomerang’s limitations were apparent. With a top speed of around 305 miles per hour, the aircraft was slower than most Japanese fighters. As a result, it often struggled to catch up to enemy planes, leaving pilots frustrated. Over time, the Boomerang’s role in intercepting enemy bombers diminished, as the RAAF relied on faster aircraft for these tasks. However, the Boomerang continued to serve in patrol and ground support missions, where its durability and maneuverability remained assets.

By the end of its service, the CAC Boomerang had become a symbol of Australia’s determination to defend itself. Though it may not have been the most advanced fighter of the war, the Boomerang represented a crucial step in the development of Australia’s aviation industry. As it took on roles ranging from air defense to ground support, the Boomerang provided Australian forces with a versatile and reliable aircraft.