P-38E or F-4-1-LO named TIMBER!!

[B17F BRITE EYES]

A friend who was a B-17 and B-24 ground crewman in North Africa and Italy has a photo in his collection of a natural aluminum P-38E or F-4-1-LO that has the name TIMBER!! on the right cowling. The lettering font of the name gets gradually larger starting with the T on up to the double exclamation marks. There are no Fighter Group or Squadron markings. The number on the tail isn't very readable but looks like 12142. I am pretty sure of all but the last digit.

Baugher's website says that was an F-4-1-LO and only says it was condemned June 2, 1944.

The Lightning has just taxied past the photographer left to right. In the background of this photo is an unidentified natural aluminum B-24, I think another B-24; a B-25; and a 301st BG olive drab B-17 with the Square-Y tail code. Numerous unidentified smaller aircraft also in the distant background.

I would like more information on this P-38 if anyone knows.

Lowell
Kellogg, Idaho

[Adriano Baumgartner]

It would be nice if you could put the photograph here...even if on a small quality definition.
Coud it be a PR machine?

[Leendert]

Lowell,

I happened to read in a wartime story of a 82nd FG P-38 pilot that they used the warning call "Timber!!" when they spotted enemy planes. This FG operated in N. Africa and Italy.

I don't know however if this warning call was used generally or merely in 82nd FG.
While not answering your question about the specific P-38 you're looking for, why not also contact this FG. They have a good website www.82ndfightergroup.com that gives you the e-mail addresses.

Regards,

Leendert

[B17F BRITE EYES]

Thank you for the note and link to the 82nd FG site.

If I did it correctly (first try) here is the photo below...

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/attach...1&d=1191041748