US cargo aircraft shot down January 1944

[Brian]

Hi Franek

No, I haven't received an e-mail from you - perhaps it went to my old e-mail address.

Please re-send to briancullauthor@fsmail.net

Cheers
Brian

[Six Nifty .50s]

Hello, Brian.

Both volumes are out of print though fortunately the local libraries have them in stock. I'll see what turns up.

[Brian]

Hi guys

Thanks for the interest shown in this incident.

Six Nifty: Thanks for taking time to check the biographies - look forward to your response with interest.

Norman: Did you find the newspaper cutting? Would appreciate sight of same if you did. Thanks.

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,

Crew of downed C-54 "274" off Azores by fighters of(f) HMS Striker were all civilian and under contract of Transcontinental & Western Airlines for Air Transport Command.

Names: Charles S. Garber (pilot), George E. Shelton (co-pilot), Orville V. Scholtz (navigator), Royce T. Melliver (flight-engineer), Bedford H. Mann (radio) and Avery B. Merritt (?).

The Individual Aircraft Record Cards for both 42-72346 and 42-72368 say both were assigned to (a) Pacific Transport Squadron. On their deletion line it says "WASHOUTR" with date 32345 (23 March 1945).
I am no expert in these codes, but could it be that they had been exposed to such heavy rains that corrosion had set in?

Regards,

Leendert

[Brian]

Hi Leendert

You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge of all things great and small!

Thanks once again for your help.

Cheers
Brian