P47D-25-RE squadrons over Brittany in summer 1944

[raf38group]

Hello,

Is it possible to know which USAAF Squadron flew over Brittany with red or orange spinner and probably D-Day markings on its P47D-25-RE during the summer 1944?
I thank you in advance for your help.

Bruno

[Revi16]

It would take quite a bit of guess work based on your description.

P-47's had a very small propeller spinner, seeing red or orange while in flight would be a bit difficult. Some P-47's had red or orange painted engine cowls which would be a bit easier to see from a distance. Which one is it?

If you scroll down there is a list of Fighter Groups/Squadrons and the type of aircraft they were flying. You would then need to back date each Squadron to the summer of 1944 and then filter by paint jobs/squadron markings.

https://www.worldwarphotos.info/usaaf-codes/

or these

https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/bat...al-air-command

[Buckeye30]

P-47s in 1st.TAF (50/358FGs from Ninth AF) from Nov.1 1944 had red cowl rings and (usually) prop hubs as standard; prior to that 4- Ninth AF P-47 squadrons had red squadron colours on noses ( Ninth AF had Group colours on tails and Sqn. colours on noses, a reverse of Eighth AF policy).
22FS / 36FG (3T) red hub, whole cowling red (late 44 only).
377FS / 362FG (E4) red cowl front, could include hubs from mid-44.
404FS / 371FG (9Q) red cowl fronts, late 44 only. Some hubs red.

509FS / 405FG (G9) red cowl fronts summer 44 ( possibly July). Usually red hubs.
Ninth AF were much more relaxed about Sqn./ Group colours and their application than Eighth AF. on their fighters. There doesn't seem to have been a Ninth FC directive as to colours. These markings were more common, and extensive, on later unpainted P-47s. Prop hubs could be a variety of colours and designs, the 356FG liked spirals.


Regards
Nick
(the only orange I know was on 358FG tails as a Group marking hence their nick-name "Orange Tails").