I think the spars were found to have hidden corrosion. Note the qualifier, though.

Adrian

It certainly looks like a .303 case to me – as pretty much everything the British had used .303s you would need to check for any other possible sources but I am guessing that Toulouse was not fought over in 1944-5, so it looks good to me. It’s also burst rather than been fired as the case is split and the primer has blown off the bottom, which would fit. Not an expert on headstamps, but if 1942 is a date it would also fit (headstamp expert, anyone?)

So cautious agreement from me.

Adrian

Ha – you wait 70 years for it to fly again – and two people start threads almost at the same time! Hopefully the Mods will merge them, but it’s mighty good news anyway.

Adrian

Air Britain’s “L-file” simply has 85/504 Lost in France 5.40

So not a lot of help on the aircraft providng the ID.

Adrian

Another rarity in the restoration shop during our visit was B-26 “Flak Bait”.

Thank you for posting those pics, mothminor. I do hope they aren’t going to do too much and lose what I presume is the original wartime paintjob. As an Essex-based Marauder that my dad could well have seen, based at the first airfield I remember visiting, I’ve always had a soft spot for her. I’d love to see one in the air, but I doubt that’ll happen on this side of the pond.

Adrian

NIce – I do especially like that first shot of the Buchon reflected in the puddle!

Adrian