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Bob Watkins
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381stBG Tactical Markings

This is a wild shot but......
 
Does anyone happen to have a copy of the field/maintenance order pertaining to the
late war application for the 381stBombGp /1stCmbtBombWg /1stAirDiv?
 
I'm trying to determine if these orders specifically called for the application of the
red wing and rear horizontal stabilizers to both upper and lower surfaces.
 
Thanks.
Bob 

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    Ivor Ramsden
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    Re:381stBG Tactical Markings (permalink)
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    Hi Bob,
    I haven't seen the official orders but all photographic evidence shows that red was applied to both the upper and under surfaces.
    Ivor

    Director
    Manx Aviation and Military Museum
    Ronaldsway Airport
    Isle of Man
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    Bob Watkins
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    Re:381stBG Tactical Markings (permalink)
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    Thanks Ivor, the same here.
     
    I just haven't seen all that many well lite undersurface shots of 381stBG ships to reach any definitive conclusions.
    This got me to wondering if this was an optional call on the part of ground maintenance crews, and was hoping to
    possibly come up with a paper trail on the subject.
     
    Bob

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    buckeyeuk
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    Re:381stBG Tactical Markings (permalink) ☄ Helpful
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    Hi Bob
    The relevant signal was CADM/ BCI-55-21 ( Combt Aircraft Distinctive Markings) .
    As you've no doubt found there were some discrepancies between the OFFICIAL authorisation of Oct. 16 1944 and the actual dates of application by the various Groups.
    The August signal consolidated the 1BD colours and styles but the 1st CBW seem to have started on their red markings in mid-July ( note, to be applied top and bottom). Incidentally the red used was usually a bright shade rather than Insignia Red including prop hubs.
    For 2BD , coloured tails orderd by BCI-55-21 from June 23 but certainly pre-empted in May by some.
    For 3BD, some confusion and alterations but officially new colour markings authorised Jan. 2 1945, though 93CBW seem to have had their red from July ( B-24s) then continued on their replacement B-17s in Aug.-Sept.
    Previous editions of BCI-55-21 had specified group letters, symbols etc. ( 1943).
    Let me know if you agree ( or not).
    Regards
    Nick
    post edited by buckeyeuk -

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    Bob Watkins
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    Re:381stBG Tactical Markings (permalink)
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    Hey Nick,
    In the back of my mind I just knew you would provide some positive input on this subject.
     
    This information corresponds almost exactly with what I have in my files, especially regarding
    the discrepancies between the notification date of this directive vs. actual field implementation
    dates. What I didn't have were the specifics pertaining to the tailplane aplications.
     
    Much obliged Nick.
     
    Bob

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