[HGabor]

It is true that the formation A-20G bombers had minimal change in their nose by removing armament and solid cover. But these new bombardier cockpits still had too small windows for recce. and formation leader purposes. For such role entire sections were replaced. Not to mention that regardless these small modification, an A-20G remained A-20G in the soviet records (A-20Ж), not A-20C. Some documents however, did make a difference between A-20G and A-20C modification. This 244 BAD, 260 BAP mechanic guy eg. modified/re-equipped 10 A-20Gs into A-20C, - see attachment. It clearly says A-20C, not G/Ж! 5 VA, 218 BAD regiments (48, 452, 453 BAPs) in 1944-45 were fully re-armed with A-20Gs. According to their October 1, 1944 and January 1, 1945 mechanical reports they had only 2 UA-20C-BO (trainer version) Bostons (....428 and 41-19703), the rest was all A-20G.

According to their mechanical reports the soviet 17 VA, 244 BAD regiments (260, 449, -860. BAP until November 15, 1944-, 861 BAPs) on October 1, 1944 had 35 A-20Bs, 7 A-20Cs, 6 UA-20C trainers, 2 A-20Js (43-21874 and 43-22029), and 77 A-20Gs (based on their listed A.A.F. S/N).

In their January 1, 1945 mechanical report they still had 2 A-20Js (43-21874 and 43-22029), but had only 5 UA-20C trainers (41-19623 was lost), 6 A-20Cs (41-19353 was lost), 31 A-20Bs (41-3550, 41-3189, 41-3648 and 41-3581 were lost) and 73 A-20Gs (42-53948, 42-54185, 43-9782, 43-21369 and 42-86671 were lost, while 43-9505 was a new arrival from ВМФ (Navy) -> -5+1=4 difference). Later, in April, 1945 they received 2 new A-20K-10-DOs (44-124, 44-125) The 5 VA, 218 BAD also received 1 A-20K-11-DO after April 1, 1945 (44-148) with 2 old A-20Bs (41-2695, 41-2930) and 3 A-20Cs (42-33245, 41-19368, 41-19403).

Clearly the majority in both soviet bomber divisions (218 & 244 BAD) in 1945 was the A-20G by their American S/N. Their number increased, all the rest decreased towards VE-day according to the October 1, 1944, January 1, April 1 & July 1, 1945 reports & plane inventory. But since many-many planes were transformed into A-20B/C from A-20Gs, these modifications are not necessarily visible in the lists. They still 'hide' among the A-20Gs. (Or as in most cases written: А-20-Ж-20-ДО, А-20-Ж)
1st squadron of 260 BAP of 244 BAD, for instance, was specialized in single, recce. missions. They definitely needed big windows for better navigation and view. Surely, most A-20G/C modifications were recorded in this unit. This was more change than just replacing the armament with a small plexi window.

Cheers,
Gabor