Grumman Avengers used in Meridian I & II

[Larry]

Seeing Alex's post concerning Avengers of 857 NAS in the Far East reminded me to ask where each crew member sat for Operation Meridian I & II and thereafter in the Pacific. In every reference it says the FAA wanted the observer to sit inside the fuselage, as did the USN and that the FAA also asked for bulged cabin windows when they ordered the type. However for Meridian it seems the FAA had a change of heart and requested the Observer be behind the pilot where he would have a better view.

The design work and instructions showing the necessary mods were carried out around August 1944 by the Naval Air Radio Installation Unit at Christchurch, Hampshire. Over the years I have been in contact with several members of the team involved but apart from the installation of the extra seat, radio and compass behind the pilot they cannot recall whether the Observer could access the seat 'up top' from within the fuselage or whether he had a to choose which to occupy before take off.

Occasionally you will see the Observer behind the pilot in a few photos of Avengers in the Far East but not many, so perhaps not many aircraft were modified in this way.

Any help geatly appreciated