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Returning B-17s from First Mission Need info


thevid

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In this painting by Peter Hurd B-17s arrive at their base following their first mission into Europe.  It has all the elements the artist witnessed and is a very good source for the type of vehicles that were in use at that time.  But the Spitfire has me confused.

Anyone have any idea what squadron it would belong to?

 

PeterHurdB-17s012_zpsvbbpprmy.jpg

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Peter Lewis' 'Squadron Histories'book doesn't list any unit having used the code CW, so that's no help I'm afraid. There appears to have been a second Spit to the left of the first. And the artist has painted the Spit with a two blade prop & pre war markings? Unlikely if this was August 1942?!

 

Artistic licence maybe?

 

Keith 

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RAF Spitfires were used to escort early USAAF raids on Europe, but they wouldn't have been based at Polebrook where the 97th BG flew there first mission from. It's possible some RAF "Top Brass" may have flown in to see the first USAAF raid, and there were usually a selection of aircraft types on station for various transport and liaison roles. So the artist may have seen other aircraft there, but the markings seem to be fictional.

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