[SMF144]

Jack,

I suspect the two A/C are the same. See page 129 of Zemke's Wolfpack by Hess as it shows a rear 3/4 port view of 'A' in full D-Day garb. My assumption is the photo in question, which is obviously a staged one, (did Gabby ever drop a bomb?) was taken during the transition of toning down the D-Day invasion stripes and Gabby's score was possibly covered over for the PR shot. Remember, those "flags" were stickers as period footage shows a member of Gabby's ground crew sticking one on as the plane comes to a halt. Either way, it's an interesting photo/query but I don't think there's anything out of the ordinary here; especially the framing of the canopy appearing to be painted. Look at the prop boss... it's somewhat dark even though the flash or light has caught it whereas the canopy is in the dark.