Re: US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944
 

Hi Franek

No, I haven't received an e-mail from you - perhaps it went to my old e-mail address.

Please re-send to briancullauthor@fsmail.net

Cheers
Brian

Re: US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944
 

Hello, Brian.

Both volumes are out of print though fortunately the local libraries have them in stock. I'll see what turns up.

Re: US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944
 

Hi guys

Thanks for the interest shown in this incident.

Six Nifty: Thanks for taking time to check the biographies - look forward to your response with interest.

Norman: Did you find the newspaper cutting? Would appreciate sight of same if you did. Thanks.

Cheers
Brian

Re: US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944
 

Brian,

Crew of downed C-54 "274" off Azores by fighters of(f) HMS Striker were all civilian and under contract of Transcontinental & Western Airlines for Air Transport Command.

Names: Charles S. Garber (pilot), George E. Shelton (co-pilot), Orville V. Scholtz (navigator), Royce T. Melliver (flight-engineer), Bedford H. Mann (radio) and Avery B. Merritt (?).

The Individual Aircraft Record Cards for both 42-72346 and 42-72368 say both were assigned to (a) Pacific Transport Squadron. On their deletion line it says "WASHOUTR" with date 32345 (23 March 1945).
I am no expert in these codes, but could it be that they had been exposed to such heavy rains that corrosion had set in?

Regards,

Leendert

Re: US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944
 

Hi Leendert

You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge of all things great and small!

Thanks once again for your help.

Cheers
Brian