Random thought: In in 1935 as part of the RAAF's modernisation program, the Avro Anson was ordered as a general reconnaissance bomber and was initially used for maritime parol duties. Deliveries of the first order of 48 aircraft began in November 1936 and were completed in September 1938. Allocated serial number A4-1 to 48 these aircraft served with Nos 2, 4, 21, 22 and 23 Squadrons on maritime patrol work. Some were fitted with ASV radar and patrolled the eastern seaboard of Australia with Nos 66, 67, 71 and 73 Squadrons.
However, back in 1934/35 then RAAF Cheif of Staff, Sir Richard Williams was extremely impressed by the Douglas DC-2 that came second behind the purpose-built de Havilland DH.88 racer Grosvenor House in the MacRobertson Air Race between London and Melbourne. What if off the back of this the RAAF either approached Douglas (or vice-versa) and an order was placed for the B-18A for the same role? Not only would they have provided a useful bomber for the RAAF, they could later be upgrade to B-18B status with Radar and MAD boom thus fulfilling the maritime patrol role even more so.
