9th AF cameraman onboard B-26

[Dennis Peschier]

Gentleman,

On April 12th 1944 B-26, 42-107581, was lost over Dunkirk. In the MACR 3745 there is an eyewitness report by 1/Lt Benjamin E. Mann. He was a cameraman on board another ship in the formation. He kept the falling plane in his camera. Could it be that his film still exists, and if so where would it be stored?

Any clues and tips would be welcomed,

Dennis

Gentlemen,

The 8th Combat Camera Unit assigned to the 8th AF covered 9th AF activities and flew combat missions in the 9th AF B-26s when they were stationed in the UK. A brief history of activities in the UK follows.

On 6 June 1943 Detachment D was formed and one month later left for Marks Hall to fly operations in B-26 Marauders. Two weeks later the detachment moved to Andrews Field near Great Sailing. By the end of the July Detachment A at Alconbujry, B at Chelveston and C at Snetterton Heath were combat ready.

CCU flew their first combat mission on 14 July 1943. Detachment D flew sorties in B-26 Marauders. All detachments were recalled to a permanent 3rd BD station at Bury St. Edmunds on 18 October 1943. From here the men were dispatched to different bases to cover various missions.

On 27 Feb. 1944 the unit was assigned to 8th Recon Wing (P) High Wycombe but remained attached to 3rd BD for duty, having operated from Bury St. Edmunds since October. On 22 April 1944, CCU transferred to High Wycombe. On 14 May all still-photographers transferred to 3rd CCU and all motion picture men remained with 8th CCU. Finally on this day 8th CCU arrived at Watton, their permanent home.

The Combat Camera men have an association based in Los Angeles, CA and have many members internationally.

The International Combat Camera Association, Inc.
Suite #300
7715 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046, USA
Telephone (213) 876-0160
Fax: (213) 8876-6383

Norman Malayney

[Dennis Peschier]

Hello Norman,

Thank you for your reply! I will write them to see if they know more on the subject.

Dennis