Morning All,
The best images I have of 418 Squadron Bostons are of this machine, in overall black, markings duplicated on port side, to judge by some small shots of other aircraft (serial number, squadron codes and "Ottawa Ontario" in dull red):
Most of the best-known 418 Squadron Mossies have already been mentioned in this thread - my favourite is TH-J, City of Edmonton, the one in the pic above of Sid Seid and his dawg Mostitch.
There were however many more unique noseart examples, mostly characters from the L'il Abner strip. Mark Proulx is so far as I know still planning a 418 Squadron book, and I believe it's his intention to link as many of the noseart craft to serial numbers, provide operational histories, etc. Not sure of publication date, he was still trying to scrounge photos last time I asked him.
Here's another view of TH-J. I am all but certain the date given is incorrect - Sid Seid didn't join 418 Sqn until after D-Day, and the craft appears with all the kill markings in a group shot in October 1944. I'm also certain the serial number is incorrect - NT115 didn't appear in the Squadron Operations Record Book until January 1845, when 418 had already been transferred away from Intruder duties to 2nd TAF. I believe the serial should be as in the decal graphics above. See also above re: Mark Proulx's book.
Two points of order, Mr Speaker. First, I wonder whether or not the original noseart is going to interfere with the area of the AH skin reserved for AH squad logos. Second, the swastis will have to be changed to crosses - Swastis sind verboten, mein Lieber.
Think I have a close-up of the squadron logo, will try to post.
Here 'tis:
