Warbird Information Exchange

Has anyone done the research to reliably figure out post-war USAAF/USAF unit markings?
Like this one:

Is there any rhyme or reason to the 7 P M? I know this one has been identified as being from the 69th RG but so has this one


The buzz numbers are well known and I'm pretty sure the same unit wouldn't have differing unit codes, but....
I do have a pretty good grip on ETO Occupation markings. Just these ones seem to have a definite lack of documentation.

What do the IARC's say? My guess would be 'stateside displays and the markings remind me of Chanute/Sheppard etc instructional airframes.

But I'd like to know what's on each IARC because that should i.d. both.

Hi Junkman9096

These are F-6s at Stuttgart AAFld, Ark. late in 1945 they are from the 74th Reconnaissance Group.

The mission of the 74th RG was a demonstration “air force” for maneuvers with the various army ground forces schools.

The alphanumeric code is for the II Tactical Air Division, III Tactical Air Command, Third Air Force. The order of the code tells you the command or division the field is assigned to in the Third Air Force. In this case the number is for the squadron, the letter P is for the field and letter the ship in the squadron.

When Stuttgart was closed down in November 1945 the 74th RG was inactivated, the personal and equipment were assigned to the 69th Reconnaissance Group and move to Brooks Field, TX taking the old coding with them but with the new AAF wide buzz numbers of Oct. 1945. On 29 Jul 1946 the 69th RG was inactivated and personal and equipment were assigned to the re-activated 363rd Reconnaissance Group at Brooks Field the same day.

Here a F-6 of 363rd RG at Brooks Field note it still has the H for How a/c letter code:


Confusing for sure but I hope that’s a help.

Tom

Tom,

Anything on the IARC's to show dates/disposition of these two?

Is it just me or does that picture look like it has been digitally touched up, and very poorly for that matter. Lots of random gray pixels and that "H" looks digitally added to me. so does the "F" on the nose and the "join the AAF" titles..and the checkers on the nose...very odd.

Sean

Not just you, some real odd stuff going on in that picture. Like what is going on in front of the verticals of the closest two aircraft?
The empennage of the closest Mustang doesn't even look like it belongs there.

I agree the pic definitely looks to have been doctored.

_________________
CraigQ

I found another photo of 45-11664.


Richard

_________________
I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.

Hi all,

Here are some more post war F-6s for you all:

689 C for Charlie somewhere, probably of the 69th RG. Note the lack of wheel door letters.


658 J for Jig assigned to 11 TRS/74th RG at Stuttgart. It will be attach to the 69th RG when it moves to Brooks Field but is inactivated in March 1946 when Tactical Air Command is activated.


A great in flight shot of a flight of F-6s with the signature checker board tail of the 363rd RG.


Quemerford I don’t have the IARC's, just the photo trail.

Best to you all,

Tom

Tom[/quote]

Is it just me or does that picture look like it has been digitally touched up, and very poorly for that matter. Lots of random gray pixels and that "H" looks digitally added to me. so does the "F" on the nose and the "join the AAF" titles..and the checkers on the nose...very odd.

Sean[/quote]

I think it's an image that's been turned into an Adobe .pdf: this format tries to recognize text and render it. So probably not doctored, but rather 'processed'.

Not just you, some real odd stuff going on in that picture. Like what is going on in front of the verticals of the closest two aircraft?
The empennage of the closest Mustang doesn't even look like it belongs there.

I agree the pic definitely looks to have been doctored.[/quote][/quote]

The same photo (un-doctored/corrected) is on Wikipedia about Shaw Field 1946. The photo is much clearer, the items in front of the verticals are ramp equipment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw_Air_ ... eld_SC.jpg

_________________
Always looking for P-51D parts.

Is it just me or does that picture look like it has been digitally touched up, and very poorly for that matter. Lots of random gray pixels and that "H" looks digitally added to me. so does the "F" on the nose and the "join the AAF" titles..and the checkers on the nose...very odd.

Sean[/quote]

I think it's an image that's been turned into an Adobe .pdf: this format tries to recognize text and render it. So probably not doctored, but rather 'processed'.

Not just you, some real odd stuff going on in that picture. Like what is going on in front of the verticals of the closest two aircraft?
The empennage of the closest Mustang doesn't even look like it belongs there.

I agree the pic definitely looks to have been doctored.[/quote][/quote]

The same photo (un-doctored/corrected) is on Wikipedia about Shaw Field 1946. The photo is much clearer, the items in front of the verticals are ramp equipment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw_Air_ ... eld_SC.jpg[/quote]


Thanks, that looks waaaaay better.

_________________
CraigQ

No doctoring allowed ... just cool looking checkered Mustangs.


20th Fighter Group P-51D Mustangs parked at Shaw Field, November 1946


187th Fighter Squadron F-51D Mustangs

_________________
“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Sorry ... No reason, just like the look of Mustangs lined up ...


54th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F-51D Mustangs


120th Fighter Squadron F-51D Mustangs

_________________
“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Hi all,

My photo of 664 was bought from AAHS some time ago. A lot of the jpgs on the CD are like this one in quality, it may have something to do with their scanner.

The Wikipedia photo caption for 644 is anachronistic for the 363rd TRW to be at Shaw AFB with the “ENLIST IN THE AAF NOW…” demobilization recruiting slogan, few did.

Which leads to the serious manning problems the post-war AAF had. They had lot of pilots, few mechanics. The AAF could not even man the units that were authorized and this is reflected in the markings, they are simple and/or left over from their previous units like the 69th RG at Brooks Field.

Here are a few more for you:

A “Plane Jane”, pun intended, P-51D with just a yellow spinner.


A P-51H of the re-activated 56th FG at Selfridge Field very simple compared to the P-80s markings they would have.


A P-47N of Air Defense Command, HQ First Air Force was a number air force that the National Guard and Reserves units reported to.


A B-29 of SAC at Smoky Hill AAfld still with its previous markings of some training unit of Second AF, but with the new Buzz number.


SAC B-29s “attacking” Los Angeles in 1946 some with old and new unit markings.


Thanks for the Air Guard photos Mark!

All the best to you all

Tom