B-25G ( 57mm cannon) with RAF

[brewerjerry]

Hi All,
Can't locate it in any of my books, but I am sure a B-25G ( or maybe B-25H) was with the RAF, anyone know the serial and it's movements ? or even a source of a photo, etc ?
cheers
Jerry

P.S.
Just found the serials FR208 & FR209, ( anyone got air brit serials handy ? )

[Graham Boak]

Dave Fleming has shown me a photo of one such, in camouflage and carrying at least an individual code letter. Hopefully he'll see your posting.

[DaveFleming]

Hello!!

The RAF had (at least) three B-52Gs. FR208 and FR209 were supplied through lend-lease for testing at Boscombe Down (amongst others) - they were finished initially in OD over neutral gray, and you could see where the USAAC markings were applied/over painted. There are photos in a few places - Tim Mason's book on Boscombe Down, Wings of Fame issue that covered the Mitchell and elsewhere.

History was (Courtesy Mr Boak 9 years ago!!):

FR208 AAEE/AFDU To 4823M 2.45
FR209 AAEE/ECFS/EFS/Met Res Flt To 6891M 13.9.51

FR209 is interesting as it served into the early 50s in overall natural metal, and was converted to glass nosed standard.

The one Graham mentions is undocumented (I found the pic on a web forum, but have forgotten which!!) but shows a B-25G in RAF markings with a code. I have a feeling it MAY be FR208 at AFDU, but that's just speculation. There was a report in an early 70s magazine (Possibly IPMS UK) that referred to an RAF B-25G being used in combat trials with a 2TAF unit.


The 'other' RAF B-25G, 42-65094, was 'acquired' in the Middle East/Italy and used as a transport for high ranking officers (initially AVM Tedder). It was seen around the Middle East and Arabia in 1945/6 - I have seen a photo of it taken at Sharjah (IIRC). I have a copy of the USAAF record card for that one, which records it as transferred to the UK, but it was never given a UK serial. I first saw it in an old Aeroplane issue, and it later turned up in the Crowood book on the B-25. It may have been a 'bitsa' created from more than one airframe, but it kept the serial of the B-25G. It had the large side windows.

I'm at work at the moment, but may be able to post some pics or references later.

[DaveFleming]

Remembered where the post was - the Key Publishing forums:

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?t=85923

http://forum.keypublishing.com/attac...7&d=1226784258

So it COULD be Lubeck.

[brewerjerry]

Hi All,
Thanks for the info,I remembered vaguely reading something in a book.
And also reading a file at the NA/PRO about an a/c at the GRU Exeter, but couldn't remember exactly if a B-25 or A-20 was mentioned.
Great link to the photo,amazing what turns up.
cheers
Jerry