FRE 4686 FRE 4686 Martin B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963 "Bugs Bunny") of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, on the afternoon of 3 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland. Note the plane's severed wing at top of photo. U.S. Air Force Photo.'

(Note: On November 3, 1944, the 323rd flew an attack of 18 Marauders to Amersterdam/Schipol Airdrome. It resulted in 14 of the 18 aircraft returning to base with battle damage, one aircraft, "Bugs Bunny" having been shot down over the target and another crash landing upon return to Earls Colne Airfield. Missing in action were T/Sgt. William G. Fortwender, Capt. Anthony W. Geiser, S/Sgt. James R. Kitchell, 1st Lt. L. Lesher, S/Sgt. Pelligrino P. Lombardo, 1st Lt. THomas Savino and 1st Lt. Maxwell J. Stadler. "Bugs Bunny" is reported to have blown up when it took a direct hit to its bomb bay before the bombs had been released. "We did not see any chutes." Post-war comments of Lawrence B. Efta. The formation dealt with both heavy flak and German fighters.

The Spitfire close escorts of the Digby Wing, led by RCAF Wing Commander Lloyd Chadburn, shot down nine Me109s in nine minutes, for the loss of one pilot. Other escorts shot down an additional one, probably a second and damaged four.

For an extended account see Moench, John O., Marauder Men, p. 86.


Roger Freeman Collection

Fighter Command War Diaries Vol 4 July 1943-June 1944

Pilot's Log Book, Wing Commander L.V. Chadburn

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