Wed May 18, 2016 10:41 am
Hi,
I'm new to the forum although I've had an interest in WWII Aviation for many decades. Currently, I'm working on
a research project and I would like to know which reference books or sources I need to purchase and thought this would be a good place to start.
What I'm looking for:
Aircraft Registry Numbers, photos of aircraft, squadron and bases, photo and biographical information of pilot and crew, copies of log books, stories from the veterans, maps or any scrap of information really.
In some cases, I have a few pilot names, crew names, Squadron paperwork, photos of planes, photos of aircrew etc. I've already culled FOLD3 of every scrap I could find. I also have some outdated databases
I found online that cover some missing or crashed planes.
General range of study: 1-Jan-1944 thru 3-Mar-1944.
Specific range of study: 30-Jan-1944 thru 22-Feb-1944.
List of Squadrons:
VD-1 (PB4Y1-P)
VF-17
VMF(N)-531
VMF-122
VMF-212
VMF-216
VMF-217
VMF-218
VMF-222
VMF-223
VMSB-244
VMTB-143
VMTB-232
VMTB-233
VP-14
VP-44
VP-54
VP-81
68th FS (P-39's)
Additionally, I'm seeking information about the PBY, that was used to transport the Bob Hope Troupe
during his tour to the Solomon Islands in July/August, 1944. I'm interested in the Pilot and crew and plane.
I've collected a few details about a couple of incidents that made headlines but, I've found no mention of
the pilot and crew or plane.
I know this is a huge project but if anyone can direct me to any databases, books, reference materials or where I can buy or find this information, I would greatly appreciate it.
I have no plans to publish my work, this is a personal project dedicated to the memory of a relative and some veterans.
Best Regards,
Robert