Q: 114 Sqn Boston IV/V markings

[Zoran Petek]

Hello all,

I'm interested in 114 Sqn's late war Boston IV/V markings in Italy 1944/45.
As far as I know there is only one photo - Ferry Command 43-21538 BZ465 still in Canada before delivery.
What were the position and colour of individual letters is mystery to me.
Also I believe that 18 Sqn's late war letters' colour was light blue (Azure?), and not yellow as often described.
Any information is welcome.

Zoran

[Buckeye30]

Hi Zoran. I'm trying to work out these serials; BZ465 was one of 30 Mk. IVs (BZ460--489) with matching USAAF serials as they were Lend-Lease but these were from Block 43-21828--857 which should make her serial 43-21833. 43-21538 was an A-20G for USAAF only, does the photo show both ?
Thanks
Nick

[Zoran Petek]

Hello,
It was my typo. Serial was 43-21838 (321838 on the tail) and RAF serial BZ465 just bellow in front of the horizontal tail. Pexiglas canopy and Olive Drab/Neutral Grey camo. Rudder looks lighter, and trimmer looks darker.
Zoran

[Buckeye30]

Zoran. Is it possible that the last number of the (U.S.) serial is "3" not "8"? The serials (unless marked incorrectly) were matched to the British ie. 43-21833 would be BZ465 and 43-21838 would be BZ470. BZ460 was 43-21828.

The equivalent US - RAF blocks usually matched but there must have been a few exceptions; just my thoughts.
Regards
Nick

[Zoran Petek]

Hello,
Yellow serial 43-21838 is clearly visible, but the photo is blurred and RAF serial is not quite visible, and is mentioned in caption only, so it could be wrong.
Baugher also claims that 43-21838 was RAF Boston IV BZ470, future OA-V of 342 Free French Sqn and SOC Jun 6, 1947.
In that case there are no known photos of 114 Sqn's Boston IV/Vs, but there are plenty of earlier models in North Africa and Italy.
Zoran