March 28, 2006 at 8:28 pm
I have been researching the wartime service of Bolingbroke RCAF 9048, but I haven’t managed to turn up any photographs of 9048 from the period yet. Can anyone help with photos of it, either with 8 (Bomber Recon) Squadron, or with the BCATP? Once it has been restored, it is planned to paint it in the colours of 8(BR) Squadron RCAF, with which it served from November 1941 to September 1943. It is likely this scheme will be similar to that of Bolingbroke 9892, preserved at Rockcliffe, Ontario, which is camouflage, with a black underside. 9048 was coded YO-T during its service. There are also couple of queries regarding the colour scheme that somebody out there may be able to help with.
Firstly, 115 (BR) Squadron, which operated alongside 8 (BR) in Alaska in 1942/43, had an alternative scheme with a white underside, and a mostly white rear fuselage. Does anyone have any photos of any Bolys in this scheme, or know if it was applied to 8 Squadron aircraft as well?
Secondly, rumour has it that the markings were adapted when the Bolingbrokes arrived in Alaska to serve alongside US forces on anti-sub patrols in the Pacific. This included painting out the red centre of the roundels on the top of the wing, to avoid confusion with Japanese aircraft, and painting a blue band around the rear fuselage. Again, does anyone have any photographic evidence?
For those unaware, The Bristol Aero Collection is in the process of acquiring Bolingbroke 9048, which has resided in California for the past few decades, and shipping it to the UK for preservation.
Thanks guys,
Andy A.
By: KIGAS - 28th March 2006 at 20:39
Speak to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum who at present restoring a Boly to fly, they should have all the info you want. Contact them on – [email]museum@warplane.com[/email] or see their website www.warplane.com.
JS