American Aircraft at captured airbase

[Larry deZeng]

ID'ing that 'Bolt is going to be tough without its fuselage code, unless someone recognizes the nose art or the paint color and style on the cowl. By mid-August 1944, the 9th AF had 19 fighter groups operating from northern France, all or most of which were Jug fighter-bomber units. If no one here can help, then you may have to try the 9th AAF web site and see if they can assist you. I am almost certain that the photo was taken in northern France July or August 1944.

[Larry]

The A-20 was used by three Bombardment Groups of the 9th USAAF -the 409th, 410th and 416th BG and looking at the photos it would seem that the A-20s were on the airfield in great number, so most probably is the airfield where they were based.

I agree that some photos do not look as though they were taken in Feb 1945 but it should be easy enouth to find out all the bases for these Groups post D-Day and see which was most likely.

I'll do some more checking

[Larry]

409th BG Bases post move from UK

Bretigny France 18.9.44
Laon / Couvron France 12.2.45

410th BG Bases post move from UK

Coulommiers France 27.9.44
Juvincourt France 9.2.45
Beaumont sur Oise France 22.5.45

416th BG Bases post move from UK

Melun / Villarouche France 21.9.44
Laon / Athies France 10.2.45
Cormeilles en Vexin France 25.5.45
Laon / Athies France 27.7.45