Glenn Martin 167 in French service 1939-1940

[MW Giles]

One question about Martin 167F

In 1944/45 seven Martins were used by Goupement Patrie (GB 1/34, then GB 1/31) in Western France

One source gives the serial nos as 30, 75, 127, 153, 162, 182 and 744

Any idea what 744 refers to? Is it just 74, with the last digit repeated by accident, or is it something else?

Regards

Martin

[Stig Jarlevik]

Martin
I have a suspicion that 744 may refer to the British s/n AR744.
Looking at its AM 78 card it was SOC 20.6.1943 plus an odd additional note:
"Brought back on charge" with the authorization dated 18.2.1944, all of which in turn has been crossed
over!

As we all know the French held those strange letters before the s/n in great "contempt" () and very
often never bothered recording them.
Not impossible it may have been turned over to the French

Does that fit in with your dates as well?

No 74 is not possible, shot down during the French campaign
No 44 could be a possibility, if it was repaired after its very bad landing at Etampes in 1940.
Aircraft does not show up anywhere during 1941 though.... (that is how far I have gone through
my data available)

Cheers
Stig

[MW Giles]

Thanks for the suggestions

I only pick them up at Mouzaiaville when GB 1/34 formed in July 44 and then in France from August 1944 when they start flying recon missions in the south west

I have seen a reference to four Martins being transfered to the Free French in North Africa from the SAAF. That could account for AR744

One other anomaly, 30 is also sometimes listed as 30908, does this fit with a constructors number in any way?

Martin

[Stig Jarlevik]

Well Martin

With regard to No 30 and/or 30908 I can confirm Martin c/n 908 correspond to Type 167F No 30!
Interesting way of identification....

Cheers
Stig