American Air Museum in Britain

IWM catalogue record

This contains information written on the back of the original print and some of it may be inaccurate.

A bomber crew of the 323rd Bomb Group in full flight gear, beneath the nose of their B-26 Marauder nicknamed "Mr Falla". Image stamped on reverse: 'Central Press Ltd.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1943.' [stamp] and '279281.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'America's new super medium bomber in Britain 18.8.43. The U.S super medium bomber, the "MARAUDER" is now operating from Britain after doing fine work in N Africa and Sicily. It has a range of 2,000 miles with a speed of 350 m.p.h and a wing span of 65 ft,and carries one ton of bombs. Driven by two Pratt and Witney "Wasp" engines ,armed with 8 of the famous "Calibre 50" machine guns and carries a crew of 6 who all wear "Flak" armour and steel hats.The picture shows:-9 The crew of the Marauder "MR FALLA" showing their amusing Coat of Arms on the side of their ship. "Mr Falla" is the name of President Roosevelts pet dog. The crew who are all wearing their "Flak" armour are(left to right):- S/Sgt Caroll Schneider of Sweet, Idaho,(Engineer')., S/Sgt William F Vermillion of Elkport, S Dakota, (Radio gunner)., Lt William Kahley, of Story City, Iowa (Pilot)., Lt John Laurie of Atchison, Kansas (Bombardier)., Lt Ralph M Phillips of Kansas City, Missouri (Navigator)., and S/Sgt Paul Laprise of Chariestown, Mass, (Tail Gunner).'

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