Gabreski T-Bolt Questions

[SMF144]

Jack,

I suspect the two A/C are the same. See page 129 of Zemke's Wolfpack by Hess as it shows a rear 3/4 port view of 'A' in full D-Day garb. My assumption is the photo in question, which is obviously a staged one, (did Gabby ever drop a bomb?) was taken during the transition of toning down the D-Day invasion stripes and Gabby's score was possibly covered over for the PR shot. Remember, those "flags" were stickers as period footage shows a member of Gabby's ground crew sticking one on as the plane comes to a halt. Either way, it's an interesting photo/query but I don't think there's anything out of the ordinary here; especially the framing of the canopy appearing to be painted. Look at the prop boss... it's somewhat dark even though the flash or light has caught it whereas the canopy is in the dark.

[lampie]

Either way, it's an interesting photo/query but I don't think there's anything out of the ordinary here.

Exactly. No conspiracy theories in this case.

The victory markings on Gabbys plane were indeed stickers/decals which the man himself confirms in his book. These would have certainly reacted to the light in a different way to the paint on the aircraft itself.
As for Gabby ever dropping a bomb?
I have never seen a photo of Gabbys T'bolt with the underwing shackles fitted, so given that the only attachment point for a drop tank remaining is the centre fusalage shackles I think its very unlikely that he ever dropped ordnance.
Nige

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by lampie

Either way, it's an interesting photo/query but I don't think there's anything out of the ordinary here.

Exactly. No conspiracy theories in this case.

The victory markings on Gabbys plane were indeed stickers/decals which the man himself confirms in his book. These would have certainly reacted to the light in a different way to the paint on the aircraft itself.
As for Gabby ever dropping a bomb?
I have never seen a photo of Gabbys T'bolt with the underwing shackles fitted, so given that the only attachment point for a drop tank remaining is the centre fusalage shackles I think its very unlikely that he ever dropped ordnance.
Nige

Nige - every Fighter Group in 8th AF flew many Fighter Bomber Sweeps in France during entire first month of Normandy campaign, including 56th.

Not coincidentally these were times when the 4th (twice in Mustangs), the 78th and 353rd had big fights air to air on the deck in the 47 and suffered higher than normal losses.

Regards,

Bill