World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
9 Aug 2009 10:42:50 PM

The markings on this aircraft are interesting. They suggest a date for this photograph very near 5-Jan-1942, despite the original publish date of Oct-1942. These markings conform to none of the authorized US marking schemes. The National Insignia with red center on both upper wing surfaces became effective 5-Jan-1942 as did 13 horizontal red & white rudder stripes. The presence of one new feature but the absence of another suggest a date very near the change date. The absence of a tail number is also odd for a USAAF plane, but may be due to the plane being painted according to RAF spec’s prior to delivery (which may also explain the lack of rudder stripes). Either way, the red disc in the National Insignia was eliminated 15-May-1942.

2.  Bill says:
12 Oct 2015 05:20:29 PM

EARLY MUSTANG:

Fine in flight photograph of a Allison-powered
Mustang 1 s/n AL958, in RAF camouflage and first production model for the British. Note that its marked in early USAAC markings, during test flight over California.

Marking shown was used by USAAC from 1927-1941, after 1942 National markings was a white star on a blue disc. Marking was applied to top of port wing and bottom of starboard wing.