B-29 artwork-- before & after

[Buckeye30]

A Directive from XXI BC HQ to Bomb Groups via Bomb Wings in March 1945 ordered the removal of "girlie" nose-art from B-29s, this is from 313 Wing; a rumour was that a visiting female big-wig took offence to these-- and some suggestive names. In fact the only Wing to comply fully was the 73rd on Saipan (497/498/499/500 BGs) who adopted a Wing symbol as on "Gravel Gertie". Other Groups found various ways to delay action but there was a certain amount of grudging compliance.

"Peace on Earth" was 42-63412, A Square 25, 497BG with typical artwork; she was lost in March before she could lose her lady.

"Gravel Gertie" (500th) was 42-65221, Z-29 with standard Wing emblem (a "headless chicken carrying a bowling ball") in August. "Gertie" was a rather ugly female in the "Dick Tracy" comic strip.
Thankfully there are many photos of their artwork to remember, much by Seabees and Marines.


313bw-memo by Nicholas King, on Flickr


497bg by Nicholas King, on Flickr


500bg by Nicholas King, on Flickr