Posted By PF on November 09, 2007 at 08:21:10:
In Reply to: Re: "k" -Bomb Squadron ? posted by Kevin M. Pearson on November 09, 2007 at 07:25:06:
: PF: The link below shows B-17F-DL, 42-29981, 'Hell-Lena,' after ditching in the North Sea after raiding Hannover. All the crew were rescued. (Note there are no heavy seas, unusual for the North Sea...)
: The "K" is the Radio Call Sign (RCS) and has nothing to do with Squadron or Group. If a ship was lost, like Hell-Lena, the "K" would be pressed back into service on another a/c.
: When bombers communicated with each other in formation, they used the RCS as a means of identifying the a/c. If a plane went down, the large lettered RCSs helped to identify the ship even at some distance and at unusual attitudes.
: Group marking were on the tail, too, above the RCS and serial number in a Triangle (1st
: Air Division, B-17s), Square (3rd Air Division, B-17s) and Circle (2nd Air Division, B-24s). (Air Division was the term used later in the war. The letter withing the circle, triangle or square signified the Group.
: The Squadron markings were on the fuselage latter in the war and consisted of two letters, followed by one letter. The two letter combination, like "LG" signified the Squadron, in this case the 322nd of the 91st. These two letter were followed by the RCS which was identical to that on the vetical stabilizer.
: Early in the war, olive drab a/c carried no Group, Squadron or RCS markings and the 8th adopted the RAF means of aircraft identification. Roger Freeman has an entire book on aircraft markings - Might Eighth War Paint and Heraldry. Definitely an excellent read.
: Hope this helps. Kevin M. Pearson
: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/album/showphoto.php?photo=5698&size=big&si=Rescue
Thanks for info