The 322nd Bombardment Group (Medium) was composed of the 449th, 450th, 451st, and 452nd Bomb Squadrons. Their initial combat operations were as part of the Eighth Air Force operating from Bury St. Edmonds, England. They operated Martin B-26 B & C Marauders during the spring and summer of 1943, when photographers from LIFE Magazine took these color photographs.
Nice photos. The “flak” suit was only put on when approaching enemy territory and removed afterwards. The front (with attached apron) and back sections were held together with lift-the-dot fasteners at both shoulders. That red fabric “handle”, visible on the lower front of the suit in the photo, allowed the suit to fall off with one pull, so it was easily removed if a bailout, or ditching, was immanent.
My Grandfather Paul McManes was the radio operator on this plane. He was shot down April 1944 and taken prisoner spending the next year + in Stalag 17b. I looking for any information I can get and would appreciate anything anyone can help with.
Hi Mike, you can find some basic info with a search, but your best bet would be to see if you can find a 322 BG association site or veteran’s group on Facebook. There are several vet groups, and many post some interesting info.
Nice site. My uncle SSGT Albert J. Hands was part of a replacement combat crew in the 322nd BG, 451st BS from April – December of 1944. His last mission was his 35th (a dangerous statistic) on New Year’s Day 1945 over Stadtkyll, Germany, when at 2:30p.m. local time his crew’s ship suffered a direct 88mm flak hit just as the bomb bay doors had shut. The entire crew, except for the pilot, were KIA. As I write this, one of my brothers and his son are paying their respects to my uncle and his crew-mates at the Hamm Cemetary in Luxembourg City. My best to all who flew.
Named after my uncle in 1947,
James A. Hands
WHENEVER ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE OF THESE ENDS (LIFE,LIBERTY,AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS) IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR ABOLISH IT, AND TO INSTITUTE A NEW GOVERNMENT― Thomas Jefferson
Great post Jeff👍🏻thanks 🤓
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Thanks Pat!
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Reblogged this on My Forgotten Hobby III and commented:
Definitely my next build…
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Nice photos. The “flak” suit was only put on when approaching enemy territory and removed afterwards. The front (with attached apron) and back sections were held together with lift-the-dot fasteners at both shoulders. That red fabric “handle”, visible on the lower front of the suit in the photo, allowed the suit to fall off with one pull, so it was easily removed if a bailout, or ditching, was immanent.
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Thanks Paul!
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My Grandfather Paul McManes was the radio operator on this plane. He was shot down April 1944 and taken prisoner spending the next year + in Stalag 17b. I looking for any information I can get and would appreciate anything anyone can help with.
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Sorry there were several planes shown my Grandfather’s was Ginger 41-31767
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Hi Mike, you can find some basic info with a search, but your best bet would be to see if you can find a 322 BG association site or veteran’s group on Facebook. There are several vet groups, and many post some interesting info.
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Also dose anyone know if these LIFE photos were ever published.
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Nice site. My uncle SSGT Albert J. Hands was part of a replacement combat crew in the 322nd BG, 451st BS from April – December of 1944. His last mission was his 35th (a dangerous statistic) on New Year’s Day 1945 over Stadtkyll, Germany, when at 2:30p.m. local time his crew’s ship suffered a direct 88mm flak hit just as the bomb bay doors had shut. The entire crew, except for the pilot, were KIA. As I write this, one of my brothers and his son are paying their respects to my uncle and his crew-mates at the Hamm Cemetary in Luxembourg City. My best to all who flew.
Named after my uncle in 1947,
James A. Hands
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Thanks for writing, sad they made it that close to the end and got hit.
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