Buried birds on Tinian island

I was looking at a book I have on the B-29 and noticed a picture of a scrap pile off of the base on Tinian in the pacific during 1944. Just glancing, I can see at least 4 B-24s, a half dozen B-29s,TBMs and B-25s. This appears to be on top of the ground. My question is, did they Air Corps bury these airframes or what? It would be quite a find if they are still there no matter what shape they are in!

[HarvardIV]

Good work Rob. At any rate, I was told by an ex-military guy based on Guam that the buried a/c are most likely corroded, as he said the soil is very acidic. Howver, contrary to that I believe there are photos on the pacific wrecks or pacific ghosts website of some B-29 turrets and wheels in a junk yard on Saipan or Tinian, and they appear to be in good shape

Thank yall for the info. Sounds like there may be some promise soon hopefully.

[the330thbg]

There is, was, a huge burial ground for B-29 hulks on Guam as well.

Thanks!!!!!!!

[seaknight15]

My dad's pb4y-1 of VPB-102 was loaded on a barge with a bunch more and pushed off by a cat. What a waste.

[the330thbg]

Any updates on this?

[m charters]

Funny that this topic would come up to refresh my mind, I have a handful of photos that are black and white that have an aircraft dump in them that could be there on Tinian, as well as a bunch of B-29 photos, mostly nose art, which I would love to find out more info on.
I think there is a P-61, a B-24 and a P-38 as well in the nose art pics. One comes to mind for the B-29 is Little Jo .
Will have to go digging now.

[hang the expense]

If this stuff was recovered 40 years ago it might would be in good shape.Sadly the soil may have done it in after these many years.But what they heck,might as well find out.I hope they are lucky beyond their dreams.

[Mike Bates]

Funny that this topic would come up to refresh my mind, I have a handful of photos that are black and white that have an aircraft dump in them that could be there on Tinian, as well as a bunch of B-29 photos, mostly nose art, which I would love to find out more info on.
I think there is a P-61, a B-24 and a P-38 as well in the nose art pics. One comes to mind for the B-29 is Little Jo .
Will have to go digging now.

Any chance we can see the P-38 picture?

Mike

[m charters]

Still digging...I seem to remember the P-38 having a set of dice on the nose.
I will find them!

[m charters]

Ha..found them!
Now if i can get my scanner back from my kid!
Two shots of wrecked planes, should be good for guessing!
One is a B-24 called Thar She Blows.
A B-24 nose art with a solid nose pacific Vamp, P-38, Two of a carrier with Helcats , B-29's Tanaka Termite, Little, Jo, Beaubomber II and a P-61 called Midnight Belle.
Will scan as soon as I can, Would appreciate info on them if anyone can help. They were originals picked up at a flea market.

Last edited by m charters on Wed May 20, 2009 9:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[jet1]

[qI want to see the P-61...

[m charters]

Maybe this will work....

Last edited by m charters on Wed May 20, 2009 9:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[m charters]

Photo of P-38 in the Pacific....

[m charters]