Just received 6 pics of B17ns and B24s during WW2. Don’t know if they are known or not. However, the enclosed pic shows a B17 with some extreme big codes painted under its wing. Never seen this before. Was this standard, or is there something else to say about it. BW Roger
By: Steve Corbett - 16th August 2005 at 16:19
Yes, this is a LB-30. Same as Diamond Lil. Contrary to popular belief, A LB-30 is NOT a transport or cargo version of a B-24. It was the Export version. LB-30’s DID have bomb bays and guns. The early versions did not have a Martin or Boultan-Paul power turret. It had a slide open door with a manually operated gun on a ring. Kind of like WWI style. In fact Diamond Lil’s Manually operated turret ring is still installed. The tail turret was also manual with sliding doors that opened. The side guns were very similar to later models except located about 12-16 inches higher. The British did not use the early LB-30 much because of the lack of self sealing fuel tanks so the US took them back. Also to kill another MYTH about Diamond LIl, It was NOT damaged on delivery to the British in Canada. In fact it was not ever on a delivery flight. It was being used in New Mexico, USA for flight training British crews and had a landing accident there.
By: Swiss Mustangs - 18th June 2004 at 15:18
That’s a RAF Liberator II (AL-serial range) whereof some were requisitioned by the USAAF and used as bombers / transports.
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b24_5.html
Martin / Swiss Mustangs
By: JDK - 18th June 2004 at 13:58
Goody. It’s got the early style of tail defence I think, sort of a semi-turret. The ball turret was retractable, so wouldn’t appear – did they all have the Martin upper?
Gills wide open, no mystery.
Looks like an RAF Scheme could be:
– reallocated pre-delivery
– something to do with Operation Torch (unlikely)
– something else!
My best guesses.
By: Warhawk - 18th June 2004 at 13:23
If it’s and LB 30, then why are the bomb bay doors open. I didn’t think LB 30’s had them installed. Could this be, instead, be a formation ship and we are just interpreting the colours incorrectly in the black and white photo?
I’m probably wrong, but it seemed strange to me to have bomb doors on a transport.
By: Ant.H - 18th June 2004 at 13:01
My guess is that it’s an LB30 Liberator,the transport version of the B24,hence the lack of turrets.The serial sugests that the aircraft was built to a British order,but then impressed into service with the USAAF. I expect someone on the forum will be able to give more definate info by chasing up the serial number.
By: Arm Waver - 18th June 2004 at 12:56
The nacelles look as if the gills are open thus giving an odd outline. The serial does look as if it could be a RAF one and the scheme would tend to sugguest the same but that star does confuse it… Could it be as it was being given back?? Just my thoughts.
By: EHVB - 18th June 2004 at 12:46
Thanks, didn’t know the story of the post VE day buzz numbers. Here is another one. Looks as if the tail turret is gone. Could this be a Carpetbagger? On the other hand, doesn’t it look like an English machine with the black and green/brown camouflage paint on it, and the number under its tail, but in that case, while has it an American star than? Does it have the normal engines? The nacalles look a bit strange in my opinion. BW Roger
By: Swiss Mustangs - 18th June 2004 at 11:37
Hi – this was standard post VE-Day – the application of so-called “Buzz-Numbers” to identify stunting pilots. Well known on fighter aircraft types, but it’s not often documented on bomber ships.
Thanks for sharing !
Oh – and it’s a B-17G from the 100th BG, 349th BS
check here:
http://www.web-birds.com/8th/100/100.html
with similar shots:
Cheers
Martin
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June 18, 2004 at 11:28 am