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386th Bomb Group

Group

  • Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Inside a Marauder: Seated in their plane before take off L to R: Lt James T Wilson (South Strafford, Vermont), Lt Robt J Owen (Nashville, Tenn) US Pool/F Keystone.'

    Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Inside a Marauder: Seated in their plane before take off L to R: Lt James T Wilson (South Strafford, Vermont), Lt Robt J Owen (Nashville, Tenn) US Pool/F Keystone.'

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  • A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder ( serial number 41-31644) nicknamed

    A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder ( serial number 41-31644) nicknamed "Crescendo". Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279543.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Crew that shot down a couple of Jerries. Captain is explaining how it was done. L to R: Sgt William Harris, Baltimore, St Sgt, Samuel J Melancon (New Orleans, LA) St Sgt Norman L Bell, Warsaw, Indiana, Lt Fred A Meier, Sacramento, Cal. Capt Charles Thornton, Blum, Texas, Lt Gene Anderson, Orlando, Fla and Lt Theodore Lehman, Gray Oklahoma. US Pool/ F Keystone.'

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  • Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Hillman, a co-pilot of the 386th Bomb Group fixes his bicyle with the help of Lieutenant John E. Miller, his pilot. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Sep 1943.' [stamp] and '285963.'[Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: AMERICA'S

    Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Hillman, a co-pilot of the 386th Bomb Group fixes his bicyle with the help of Lieutenant John E. Miller, his pilot. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Sep 1943.' [stamp] and '285963.'[Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: AMERICA'S "RED DEVIL" [a censor has omitted 'Red Devil.'] FLYERS. USP/ 2247-11 Co-pilot 2nd Lt Thomas M Hillman of Grand Junction, Iowa, make an adjustment to his bicycle while his pilot, 1st Lt John E Miller, Faney Prairie, Ill, looks on. Due to rigid conservation of petrol in Britain, the use of motor transport is confined to necessity - bicycles are therefore used extensively by both men and officers for personal transportation and for getting around the widely dispersed base. Officers and enlisted men alike go in for names of their quarters.'

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  • Ground personnel of the 386th Bomb Group load ammunition into a B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279562.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. the B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Loading ammunition into the plane. L to R T Sgt Robt P Morris, Wheeling, W Virginia, S SGt Francis C Barabe, Detroit, Mich. St Sgt John T McQueeney, Wash DC. US Pool/F Keystone.'

    Ground personnel of the 386th Bomb Group load ammunition into a B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279562.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. the B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Loading ammunition into the plane. L to R T Sgt Robt P Morris, Wheeling, W Virginia, S SGt Francis C Barabe, Detroit, Mich. St Sgt John T McQueeney, Wash DC. US Pool/F Keystone.'

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  • A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (YA-B, serial number 41-31852) nicknamed

    A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (YA-B, serial number 41-31852) nicknamed "Man O War". Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279551.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Lt Edward J Laube, Ill. Lt Robt I Owen, Nashville, Tenn, T Sgt Charles A Smith, Kelso, Wash, Lt James T Wilson, S Stafford, Vernon, St Sgt John L Holmstrom, Atlantic City St Sgt James Dugan Chicago, Ill with their plane credited with a couple of Jerries. US Pool/ F Keystone.'

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  • Ground crew of the 386th Bomb Group fix the engine of a B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279549.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. the B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Ground crew repairing plane. L to R: St Sgt Joe M Perkins, Alabama, Sgt Bernard L Connors, Utica, NYC and Sgt Albert E Gregory, Savannah. US Pool/F Keystone.'

    Ground crew of the 386th Bomb Group fix the engine of a B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279549.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. the B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German Airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: Ground crew repairing plane. L to R: St Sgt Joe M Perkins, Alabama, Sgt Bernard L Connors, Utica, NYC and Sgt Albert E Gregory, Savannah. US Pool/F Keystone.'

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  • Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group are briefed for a mission. A censor has obscured the maps in the background. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication.' [stamp] and '285971.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICA'S

    Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group are briefed for a mission. A censor has obscured the maps in the background. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication.' [stamp] and '285971.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICA'S "RED DEVIL" [a censor has omitted 'Red Devil'] FLYERS. USP/2247-19. Airmen anxious for action are briefed for a bombing mission. Crews are given complete instructions regarding the plan of flight, enemy defences and the target, by Intelligence and Operations. The weather officer gives them the scope on weather over the target and communications furnishes them data on codes and signals. They are going after an important power station at the Chemical Plant of Mazingarbe in enemy occupied France and Colonel Naitland will lead the thirty-six ship formation.'

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  • Staff Sergeant Robert E. Dall, a tail gunner of the 386th Bomb Group paints a message to the Germans on the tail of his B-26 Marauder (RU-K, serial number 41-34947) nicknamed

    Staff Sergeant Robert E. Dall, a tail gunner of the 386th Bomb Group paints a message to the Germans on the tail of his B-26 Marauder (RU-K, serial number 41-34947) nicknamed "Lady Luck". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 30 Spet 1943.' [stamp] and '285966.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICA'S RED DEVIL FLYERS. USP/2247-14. Just as pilot's like to name their ships, gunners like to flaunt "Jerry" with their wit, but often speculate as to whether or not he appreciates it. Here S/Sgt Robert E Dall, New York City, tail-gunner of "Lady Luck" put finishing touches to his message to the Luftwaffe. At the time this picture was taken, Dall had been on five operational missions over enemy territory, on two of them German fighters tangled with his formation. In each case "Jerry" come off second best and now knows the strength of the Marauder.'

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  • Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group with their Squadron Mascots. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Spet 1943.' [stamp] and '285960.'[Censor No.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICA'S

    Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group with their Squadron Mascots. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Spet 1943.' [stamp] and '285960.'[Censor No.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICA'S "RED DEVIL" [a censor has omitted 'Red Devil'] flyers. USP/2247-8. Men in the Squadron are quick in acquiring pets, some of which are designated squadron mascots. (Left to right) Private Walter E Kelly, Chicago, Ill, T/Sgt ME Shank, Dayton, Ohio, Private F Carpole, Brooklyn, New York and S.Sgt James M Marcus, also of Brooklyn, display an assortment of livestock bought at the Garden Fete auction. The duck is "Windy", the goat "Rose Bud", the small dog "Salvo" and the larger dog "Flak". There were two ducks and a rooster; the boys got hungry one night- ate the rooster and one of the ducks.'

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  • A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group plan their next mission in their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279550.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: This crew has shot down a couple of Jerries. L to R: St Sgt Francis C Baisbe, Detroit, Mich, Lt Ralph V Montagna, Mt Vernon, NYC, Lt Floyd A Blackbury, Denver, Colo, Lt Leon A Van De Verie, Indiana, St Sgt John McQueeney, Wash, DC, T Sgt Robt P Morris (Wheeley N VA). US Pool/F Keystone.'

    A bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group plan their next mission in their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279550.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together to deliver heavy blows against German airports and industrial targets. Already the German Fighters which have attempted to intercept the Marauders, have felt the deadly sting of their concentrated fire power and many crews are credited with a couple of Jerries. Keystone Photo Shows: This crew has shot down a couple of Jerries. L to R: St Sgt Francis C Baisbe, Detroit, Mich, Lt Ralph V Montagna, Mt Vernon, NYC, Lt Floyd A Blackbury, Denver, Colo, Lt Leon A Van De Verie, Indiana, St Sgt John McQueeney, Wash, DC, T Sgt Robt P Morris (Wheeley N VA). US Pool/F Keystone.'

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The 386th Bomb Group flew B-26 Marauders for the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. Whilst with the Eighth, the Group developed the formation release procedure for the B-26 on missions that targeted aerodromes, marshalling yards and V-weapon sites along the coast of France in the winter of 1943-1944. In October 1944 the Group moved from Great Dunmow, England, to Beaumont-sur-Oise, north of Paris, and on to St. Trond, Belgium in support of the push eastward by ground forces.

Commanding officers

Structure

Part of
Encompassing
Previously was
Not yet known
Became
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Missions

  • VIII Air Support Command 10A & 10B

    30 July 1943
    This mission is comprised of two elements and was officially designated as missions 10A and 10B. The first element was 24 B-26s from 386BG to attack the German airfield at Woensdrecht, Holland. 1 B-26 Failed to Return (FTR)-6KIA 1POW and another...

  • VIII Air Support Command 11C

    31 July 1943
    This is element 11C. 21 B-26s from 386BG are despatched to bomb the Abbeville/Drucat airfield in France. All 21 are effective on the target. Ther are no losses, claims or damage.

  • VIII Air Support Command 16A

    9 August 1943
    This mission of VIII Air Support Command was conducted with two elements and designated as mission 11A and 11B both of which had the German airfield of Ft. Rouge at St. Omer, France as the target. The "A" element is a formation of 36 B-26s despatched...

  • VIII Air Support Command 19B

    15 August 1943
    The German airfield at Woensdrecht, Holland is the target for 36 B-26s despatched from 386th Bomb Group. The formation turns back at the Dutch coast (no reason documented in Freeman). There are no losses or claims.

  • VIII Air Support Command 23

    17 August 1943
    This mission was planned as a diversion in support of the in-bound Schweinfurt element B-17s. 36 B-26s from 386BG were despatched to attack the German airfield at Bryas (Sud), France, which they did at 1051hrs that morning. Roger A. Freeman's "The...

  • VIII Air Support Command 25B

    18 August 1943
    36 B-25s from 386BG are despatched to bomb the German airfield at Woensdrecht, Holland. 32 aircraft are effective on the target. There are no losses or claims, but 8 aircraft are damaged by anti-aircraft fire.

  • VIII Air Support Command 30A

    22 August 1943
    36 B-26s from 386BG are despatched to bomb the German airfield of Beaumont Le Roger, France. 35 are effective on the target. 1 B-26 Failed to Return - 2KIA 2POW 2EVD. The bomber gunners claim 3-0-0 of German fighters.

  • VIII Air Support Command 31A/31B

    23 August 1943
    VIII ASC 31A 21 B-26s from 322BG are despatched to bomb the power station at Gosnay, France. Cloud cover completely obscured the target and the mission was recalled. No losses or claims. ...

  • VIII Air Support Command 36A

    27 August 1943
    36 B-26s from 386BG are despatched to bomb the German airfield at Pois/Nord, France. 35 are effective on the target. There are no losses or claims.

  • VIII Air Support Command 40

    31 August 1943
    76 B-26s from: 322BG (36) and 386BG (36) are despatched to bomb military installations at Hesdin, France. The mission is recalled when the target is foound to be obscured by clouds. There are no losses or claims.

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Stations

Station Location Date
Based Snetterton Heath 3 June 1943 – 10 June 1943
Based Boxted 10 June 1943 – 24 September 1943
Based Great Dunmow 24 September 1943 – 2 October 1944
Based Beaumont Sur Oise 2 October 1944 – 9 April 1945
Based St Trond 9 April 1945 – 3 May 1945

Connections

People

  • Hubert Altvater

    Military | First Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 386th Bomb Group
    Hubert Altvater was a Co-Pilot in the 386th Bomb Group. He was on B-26 # 42-96184 on his 64th mission on 6 August 1944 when it was hit by Flak and crashed into the sea off Trouville-sur-Mer, France. Gunner Franklin Swanson was killed and the five...

  • Carmillo Barba

    Military | Master Sergeant | Gunner | 386th Bomb Group
    12 June 1943 involved in an accident on landing at Prestwick, Scotland ferrying a/c B26 41-31581 piloted by R. G. Saltsman.

  • Paul Bartolain

    Military | First Lieutenant | Pilot | 386th Bomb Group
    Oct 2, 1943 B-26C-16MO 41-34948 'Miss Murial' had retracted gear at takeoff. Crew returned to action. 386th BG was part of the 8th BG from July-October 1943.

  • Calvin Batchelder

    Military | Technical Sergeant | Radio Operator/aerial gunner | 386th Bomb Group
    Oct 2, 1943 B-26C-16MO 41-34948 'Miss Murial' had retracted gear at takeoff. Crew returned to action. 386th BG was part of the 8th BG from July-October 1943.

  • Alvin Bauer

    Military | Staff Sergeant | Top Turret Gunner | 386th Bomb Group
    Flew 10 missions with 8th AF then 65 with the 9th. DFC/ AM w/ 6 Oak Leaf Cluster/ GC

  • James Baxter

    Military | Major | 386th Bomb Group
    James A Baxter Sr. served in the US Army for 22 years and retired. He flew 65 missions.

  • Robert Becker

    Military | Staff Sergeant | Waist gunner | 386th Bomb Group
    Robert Becker served as a waist gunner with the 555th Bomb Squadron of the 386th Bomb Group. On 13 December 1943, he was flying in B-26 41-31625 'Hell's Fury' when it was shot down near Schiphol, Holland. He is buried in a shared grave in Arlington...

  • Gerard Bergeron

    Military | Technical Sergeant | Engineer / Gunner | 386th Bomb Group
    Assigned to 451BS, 322BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) 10-Feb-44 in B-26 41-34947 'Lady Luck' when flak shell hit fuel tank of starboard wing, wing detached at nacelle and A/C tumbled on fire. France. Killed in Action (KIA) MACR 2082 ...

  • Elliot Betts

    Military | Second Lieutenant | Pilot | 386th Bomb Group
    His aircraft was lost over the English Channel on 25 March 1944, 6 miles from the North Coast of France. All six members of the crew managed to escape the aircraft, but only the pilot and co-pilot were rescued three days later.

  • Robert Birch

    Military | Staff Sergeant | Airplane Armorer Gunner 612 | 386th Bomb Group

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Aircraft

  • 41-31576 Dinah Might

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31586 Shadrack

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31597 The Wolf

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31613 Son-of-Satan

    B-26 Marauder
    "On 18 November 1944 American 386 BG 555thBS, flying two-engined Marauders and stationed at Beaumont-sur-Oise, had orders to attack a storage dump near St. Wendel. Difficulties began already when they had to deal with heavy flak fire while crossing the...

  • 41-31618 Xterminator

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31625 Hell's Fury

    B-26 Marauder
    Shot down 13 December 1943 near Schiphol, Holland. For an account of this mission see: http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier/055.htm

  • 41-31634 'Hell's Hurricane'

    B-26 Marauder
    Assigned to 555BS, 386BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) St Omer, France 8-Sep-43 last seen with engine feathered dropping out of formation escorted by several Spitfires. ...

  • 41-31644 Crescendo

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31685 Lady From Hades

    B-26 Marauder

  • 41-31763 Cloud Hopper 2nd

    B-26 Marauder
    Two of my Uncles served in the US Army Air Force in WWII. Sgt Angelo M. Staffo served with the 9th AF, 386th BG, 554th BS, as a B-26 Tail gunner. He was a member of the crew of Lt. Donald B. Wren in the B-26 “CLOUD HOPPER II” aircraft number 4131763...

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Citations

None

Air Force
9th
Type
Combat
Type category
Bombardment
Nicknames
Not yet known
Motto
Not yet known
Insignia
Not yet known
Aircraft used
  • A-26 Invader

Revisions

Date Contributor Update
03 June 2020 16:52:37 will44 Changes to aircraft types
Sources

Obvious recognition error. Many references available. This aircraft appears to be a A-26C.....note the bombadier nose.
Date Contributor Update
22 February 2017 11:01:02 general ira snapsorter Changes to stations
Sources

Stations added with details from:
- "Battle Colors Volume III - Insignia and Tactical Markings of the Ninth Air Force in World War Two' by Robert A. Watkins;
Date Contributor Update
22 January 2015 22:38:25 Tanks Changes to type, aircraft types, commanding officers associations and mission associations
Sources

AAM Photo
Date Contributor Update
27 September 2014 18:42:45 AAM AAM ingest
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / The Mighty Eighth. A History of the Units, Men and Machines of the US 8th Air Force.' by Roger A. Freeman (1989). 'Air Force Combat Units of World War II' compiled by the Department of the US Air Force, edited by Maurice Maurer (1983). / Units in the UK from ETOUSA Station List, as transcribed by Lt. Col. Philip Grinton (US Army, Retired) and extracted by IWM; air division data from L.D. Underwood, based on the 8th Air Force Strength Report of 6th August 1944, as published in 'The 8th Air Force Yearbook' by Lt. Col. John H Woolnough (1980)

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