B-26 Pistol Packin Mama.Ser no 135602

[stefaan]

Hi Guys.
I have come across a Marauder that was flown by 24 SAAF with nose art
Pistol Packin Mama and US serial 135602 on the Fin.
Does anybody know of a US B-26 flying with this nose Art?
It may have been given to the SAAF after serving with a USAAF Sqdn.
Thanks
Stefaan

[Leendert]

Stefaan,

B-26 135602 would have been B-26C "41-35602". Joe Baugher's website indicates that this number belonged to a B-26 that went to the US Navy in Oct 43 as a AT-23B target tug....

There have been several B-26s (and other types) with the name Pistol Packin' Mama.
In 320th BG there were (e.g.) 43-34557 and 42-43302.

Regards,

Leendert

[stefaan]

Thanks for the info.
The serial is seen on the fin.
24 SAAF was not allowed to wear nose art, but there is a piece of one
in our Museum in Pretoria, so it was done.For a short time at least.
I am not sure if it was painted on by our crews in that short period, or came with it.
Will go and look at the site
Stefaan