600 pound HE bombs...colors, details and outline

[David_Aiken]

Most of us have viewed a 500 pound bomb...but I am seeking the PRE-WAR USAAF use, color, and details of the SIX hundred pound high explosive bomb.

Your guidance to sources is greatly appreciated,
TIA,
David

[David_Aiken]

In 1941, Hickam Field, Hawaii, only had 600 pound bombs on 7 Dec, but which kind is the new question!

They had also shipped some of those bombs to Wake, so that the B-17s landing there after the start of the war could have loads to carry over the Mandates...but the Japanese had a different version of history in mind!

[RAMC181]

Hi David,

That would probably be the from the pre-war M-series of Demolition bombs, the name being changed to General Purpose later, to allow interchangeability between the AAF, USN and the British.
It would have been painted overall yellow with black stencilling.



All info from TM 9-1904 Amunition Inspection 1944.

Hope that helps,
Paul

[David_Aiken]

Thanks, Paul!
The various reports, of the 600 pound bombs from Hickam Field and the shipment order of these to Wake Island, did not give further description.
Mahalo nui loa,
David Aiken