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Re: eBay: Allied intrest

Thank you Nick. The serial does appear to be non-standard. I wonder if instructions regarding the size and style of markings exist.

Re: eBay: Allied intrest

The Air Ministry and Ministry of Aircraft Production had regulations for everything. These are the authorised styles in the relevant Air Publication; "marking B" is for Day Fighters at home and abroard, 8" high with rounded numbers / letters, minimum of 6" from the tailplane leading edge. As painted in the factory but in service many (particularly in N. Africa, Malta and Italy) were re-marked smaller with re-paints. They should have been marked with original size and style but obviously not always followed.
The 2 subsequent Mk.Vc s BR113 (601 Sqn.) and BR114 (a special modification in Egypt) had correct style but smaller sizes. "C" was for Naval and amphibian aircraft, "D" for trainers. Colour was Night except for night bombers (Dull Red) and Coastal Command (Light Slate Grey).
Nick

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...06c29272_c.jpg raf-serials by Nicholas King, on Flickr

Re: eBay: Allied intrest

POST 3474.
Photo 1. B-17F 41-24418 "Special Delivery" 301BG , was with Group in England 1942 as "Mickey Finn" then to N. Africa (Twelfth AF) Nov. 42. Survived 90 missions.
2. B-24M 44-50997 "State Side Stuff" 380Bg / 5AF; the GI's case reads "Flying Circus SWPA" ( Group had animal emblems).Survived.
3. B-24H 42-64486 "The Piece Maker" (both sides) 456BG / 15AF. A/c 50, survived.
4.B-17G 44-6939 "Mizpah" (a religious meaning); 34BG / 8AF named by pilot's wife. Yellow squadron prop hubs and nose band. Survived.
5. B-24J 44-40518 named from the comic strip " The Katzenjammer Kids" ; 30BG / 7AF with squadron black tail bar. Survived.
6. B-24D (Mod.) name both sides; 5BG / 13AF. Not sure on serial.
7. B-24J 42-73142 5BG / 13AF; Solomon Is.The wolf is in a "Zoot Suit"; missing 2 April 44 on a mission to Dublon (Truk).
8. B-17F 42-5131 with 301BG / Eighth AF in England 1942 then Twelfth AF Nov. 42. With 2nd. and 99BGs Fifteenth AF 1943-4; artwork a bomb-throwing chicken. Battle-damaged then returned UK Air Depot, then home ( must have been very lucky).

Nick

Re: eBay: Allied intrest

POST 3477.
Hi Ed. Can't help with the B-25 ( I believe the name is "Love" or "Kiss" in Serbo-Croat).
The target photo was taken from 26,000 ft. on 8AF Mission 901 (100BG mission 284) at their secondary target a tank factory at Plauen; the primary target, an oil plant at Ruhland was cloud so bombed visual at Plauen. The 100th had 1 loss, B-17G 44-8613 LN--T shot down by Me262s (other Groups were assigned jet airfields) possibly Fritz Mueller JG7 (from 100th history). MACR is 13572.
Regards
Nick

Re: eBay: Allied intrest

Thanks Nick. I realize that due to their sheer volume, it is not known today regarding why some targets were hit and what they were.

I am reminded of a funeral with a framed letter from the War Department. It was to inform the parents that their son's aircraft was shot down on a mission over Austria.