Pacific Profiles Vol. 14

Allied Bombers: B-25 Mitchell Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1945

by Michael Claringbould

Avonmore Books

Reviewed by David Couche

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea the South Pacific. This Volume 14 covers those B-25, PBJ & F-10 Mitchell models which served in these theatres from March 1942 until the end of the war. Mitchells served a total of 21 USAAF bomber and reconnaissance squadrons, plus others were operated by the USMC, RAAF and NEIAF. This aircraft was one of the definitive attack and bombing aircraft of the Pacific theatres.

Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about many of these units. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.

Michael Claringbould, the author, presents this book in 24 chapters covering the Bombardment and Squadrons of the USAF, USMC, RAAF as well as the NEIAF.

Before getting into each of these Squadrons, he provides an overview, in 3 pages with maps, of the B-25 bomber locations the US Air Force used, and which groups used what type of aircraft and where each of the Sentai are based to set the scene for the rest of the book. He then provides technical notes on each of the aircraft types that were operated in this area. This is followed up by some notes on the various markings used by these groups.

The book consists of 28 chapters on each of the Squadrons and Bombardment Groups, listed below and closing chapters on US Marine, RAAF aircraft as well as special aircraft “Mortimer”.

This book shows that the B-25’s have a range of very interesting schemes with some great nose art. The last chapter looks at the many lives that “Mortimer”, a B-25C had over 2 years on the Pacific Theatre, starting with its opening life in the NEIAF but was reassigned to the USAAF in March 1942, and located at Amberley, Queensland, Australia. It flew many missions over the next 2 months and ended up based in Port Moresby. Mortimer had flown many more missions, at least 300 combat missions, and destroyed at least 9 Zero’s and was the oldest B-25 airframe in the 3rd BG by November 1943. There are several profiles showing the changes to the scheme over this period. It was ultimately stripped to NMF and used as a “fatcat” transport until it was struck off charge in late 1944.

This book has been produced for the aviation enthusiast of the Pacific theatre of operations involving USAAF air units. This series by Michael Claringbould on aircraft of the Pacific theatre in WWII has given us a wealth of information so far and enough schemes for both sides of the conflict to keep modellers going for a long time. For the modeller there is plenty of colour reference material in profiles etc. supplied as well as some good period photographs of aircraft. All in all, this book is a good read and useful for the modeller.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Avonmore Books for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2026 by David Couche
This Page Created on 16 September, 2026
Last updated 16 September, 2026

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page