D-Day Colour Scheme for T-6/Harvard?

I’ve looked through the Hack aircraft of the 8th AAF book, but there are none with D-Day stripes. You might be luckier with the 9th AF, but there’s no equivalent book.

I knew a T-6G that was painted with invasion stripes, and the owner said that they had a photo of the inspiration, but I never saw the photo, alas. I’ve certainly seen some photos of AT-6 hacks in the UK, but I don’t remember offhand whether any were wearing stripes. There’s a book about 8th AF hacks that might be a good place to look.

bob

Hi SeaDog,

Thanks. You are right about those “hacks”; during WW2, but also post WW2 with the USAF in Europe. There were some 15-20 in use with the USAF ETO during WW2.

Regards,

Benno

Not all T-6’s/Harvards were used exclusively as trainers. Many were used as squadron “hacks” or utility aircraft. There must have been a few flying around on D-Day. (Maybe not?)

And Benno, yes. If it were to be done it would hopefully be done correctly, rather than guessing. I have searched high and low and cannot find a picture anywhere.

Thanks.

Hi,

I do have a copy of a magazine (don’t know where/when) with an AT-16-ND Harvard IIB (43-12888) in USAAF marking at Y-32 Ophoven, taken by William L. Swisher in February 1945, still having the fuselage stripes. Do remember to have seen another one (drawing or photo), of an AT-6D, with similar markings at Gosselies, also Belgium.

Regards,

Benno

(Just wondering why this question. Is one thinking of having her/his Harvard/Texan painted with D-Day markings???)

Stripes were painted on any aircraft that were likey to go near the beaches. They were not painted on trainers.

Dutch T6 painted up as a Typhoon for A Bridge Too Far?

Were the D Day stripes added to aircraft in the hours before D Day in a hurry so’s as not to give the Germans any idea something big was about to happen?

As noted there have probably been many restored examples that have carried D-Day stripes but the one that came immediately to mind is F-AZRB.

Plenty have been done up in stripes for films, as faux Thunderbolts and Typhoons.

I’ve never seen a photo of one with D-Day markings.
They say Eisenhower flew over the beaches in a two-seat Mustang, other commanders had liaison types (L-4s and 5s).