Posted By Fred Preller on December 28, 2006 at 07:39:20:
In Reply to: Markings of 487th Bomb Group, 838th Squadron posted by Richard on December 28, 2006 at 06:16:35:
: I am a aircraft- modeller from Germany/Baveria and i need for informations of marings from 487th Bomb Group, 838th Squardon.
: Special B17G 44-8037,2C*F from 838th Squadron.
: Because colored cowlings or propeller hubs?
: Please help me soon.
: Best regards from Baveria
: Richard
Richard,
You should locate a copy of Roger A Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth - Units, Men and Machines" for this information. Here is a quite, for your convenience: "Squadron Codes ... 838BS - 2C; Aircraft letter on fuselage forward of national insignia. Group markings: P in square. ... From late 1944 red and yellow band forming chevron on wing, red band towards tip. From late January 1945 wing tips, and conplete tail painted yellow. A/C letter on fin obscured and not repainted. Other markings remained. During final two months of war many 839BS a/c had red engine cowlings and a few red chin turrets. Other squadrons not known to have used any conor markings. Some had a/c letter repeated on chin turret."
The book referred to above has side and vertical color illustrations of these markings.
Freeman's "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" states that this aircraft was assigned to the 838BS as 2C-F on 28 July 1944 and served until transferred to the 94th BG on 29 May 1945.
Some good information - some ambiguous information - that is history for you!
Tschuess,
f3