media-401222.jpg FRE 2470 P-47 Thunderbolts (LM-R, serial number 42-7870), (LM-X, serial number 41-6224), (LM-O, serial number 41-6347), (LM-B, serial number 41-6193), (LM-C, serial number 42-7979) and (LM-G) of the 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group fly in formation with a B-24 Liberator, 29 May 1943. Passed for publication 29 May 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'A Match For The Nazi F.W. 190 – The “Thunderbolt” – New American High-Altitude Fighter. EH/MoN. The latest American single-seater fighter, the Republic P-47, known as the “Thunderbolt” has been in operation from British bases for some time. The largest and heaviest single-seater fighter in the world, pilots give favourable reports of its high diving speed and effective aileron control. Designed as a high altitude fighter – around 40,000 ft. – the ‘Thunderbolt’s’ top speed rated in excess of 400 m.p.h. at altitude, is derived from a Pratt and Whitney Radial engine of 2,000 h.p. fitted with Turbo-Supercharger. The armament consists of eight ½ inch [50. Cal] calibre machine guns, these gives a total rate of fire of 6,400 rounds a minute. In a series of operations, they have shot down several of the German crack F.W. 190. Photo Shows – An aerial view of the Thunderbolt flying in eschelon[sic] formation. Fox May 43. 1, 2 and 3.' On reverse: Obscured press copyright stamp, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection