B-25's of the 345th Bomb Group 'Air Apaches' ...

[seagull61785]

Not sure who this P-40 belongs to but it's an interesting color scheme never-the-less

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/391 ... 2fa7_h.jpg

Is that an RNZAF red/white/blue fin flash on the P40?

[gemmer]

Not sure who this P-40 belongs to but it's an interesting color scheme never-the-less

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/391 ... 2fa7_h.jpg

Is that an RNZAF red/white/blue fin flash on the P40?

49th Fighter Group, Darwin, summer of '42.

[Buz]

Agreed - 8th Fighter Squadron 49th Fighter Group - Lt Barnett's aircraft, possibly taken at Strauss Strip.

Buz

[Pogmusic]

Jim Rice and I crewed on Iron Laden Maiden. She was a great flyer and loads of fun. Too bad she is now in the Liberal Kansas Museum.

[seagull61785]

Thank you for the P40 clarification guys.

Barry

[Tim L]

duplicate

Last edited by Tim L on Mon Jan 29, 2018 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Tim L]

Slight thread drift ahead. Seeing how colorful and unique their artwork was, did anyone determine if there was a psychological affect on the enemy crews?

[Tim L]

duplicate

[phil65]

I would guess more for the B-25 crews. Like having a lucky charm with you.

Phil

[OD/NG]

Slight thread drift ahead. Seeing how colorful and unique their artwork was, did anyone determine if there was a psychological affect on the enemy crews?

No one really knows for sure, but I'll bet that the Japanese were not easily intimidated. Anybody with a cultural basis that had no compunction whatsoever about giving up their lives so easily would probably not be phased too much. Remember, the average Japanese solider would commit seppuku, rather than live in defeat. Also, consider the kamikazes.

My guess is that the ornate artwork was done more for Allied morale than anything else. Morale is the original reason that nose-art was authorized in the first place on the combat lines. There were regulations against it, but the rules were relaxed to keep the troops happy. Even though there were examples of nose art in the Stateside units, it was much less prevalent and much more tame.

[dfboy]

The main demoralizer was the 50 cal MGs cutting through the aircraft and airfield installations. Japanese pilots also had a healthy respect for the B-25s armament. Down on the deck the dorsal turret and waist NGs could hold off most fighter attacks.

D.