It looks like the bike “peeling off” is actually a German bomber…note the twin engines on the wing…

Oops, Battle of Barking Creek moment, John. Note the roundels. 😉

The marking on the rudder of the second aircraft – could it be a lion rampant East European/Russia style – although if you squint it could be a scrubbed-out swastika!!

I think we are trying too hard on a grubby rudder.

My hypothesis is that they’re Douglas Bostons intended for the RAF, but taken over by the US in December 1941 (or shortly after) prior to delivery and before some were sent to Russia. (Thanks Kev.) Several clearly have RAF Boston camouflage with US starts over-painting the RAF roundel position.

The photo of the swastica being painted on the side of an aircraft, is infact a Bristol Beaufighter Mk 1F Night Fighter, and the window is of that type, changed in later variants.
G

Thanks, I think you are right, having tossed a bunch of books looking for a clear photo of that area. The IC is different to the IF. The remaining problem is if that’s not a split angled windscreen, there’s something wrong with the geometry, as the wing leading edge isn’t parallel with the screen’s base. Generally the RAF insisted on an armoured one piece screen for night fighters – was this a Bristol pre-approval version?

Cheers,