sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

A friend of mine was a SAS member during WWII: he was parachuted in France behind the frontline in August 1944 and he showed me the picture herewith attached dating from this period.

You can see a Halifax with the SAS teams boarding.

Its left wing has something painted underneath: can anybody explain what was this marking ?

thanks & good evening

GC

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

Hello,

Looks like it reads 'NAID4'....can't find any reference to that acronym relating to 297 sqn or the Halifax generally.

Regards,

Ian

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

I think it is the serial. NA104 was a Halifax B.III built by Rootes.

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

I think Bill is correct and the requirement to paint serial numbers under the wing in this manner was introduced in July 1945 after the war to deter low-flying.

Steve

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

That date matches nicely with a B.III having been converted to paratroop transport.

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

Air Britain RAF serial books say NA104 was with 297 then 21 HGCU and SOC 26-9-47

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

Thanks gentlemen.

GC

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

Any BTW - the Code L5 was used by 297 Sqn on its Halifax a/c when it was re-equipped with the Halifax in Nov 1944.

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it
 

Do the marks above the roundels suggest that this aircraft was with the Airborne forces in late 1944, when black and white stripes were carried in this position? That would make it an early A Mk.III conversion.

Re: sharing a Halifax picture .... and a question about it