Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Color Photographs – 56th Fighter Group Part V

A pair of 56th Fighter Group Thunderbolts on the ground at Boxted, the clutter next to the tarmac may be of interest to diorama modelers. The nearest aircraft is named “Bonnie”. (IWM)

An excellent view of Bonnie. I have not been able to identify the aircraft nor her pilot but the photograph is excellent and shows many details.

Another excellent photo, this one is identified as Colonel David Schilling’s P-47D serial 42-26641 “Hairless Joe” in some references.

A mass take-off of 63rd Fighter Group Thunderbolts from Boxted. Note the mix of camouflaged and NMF schemes. (IWM)

Armorers loading guns and fusing a bomb on a 56th FG Thunderbolt. Many ETO Thunderbolts carried national insignia under both wings to prevent friendly fire incidents with ground troops.

An armorer working on a Browning .50 caliber machine gun which rests on an ammunition crate. Prominent is the natural metal sleave over the gun’s barrel. (IWM)

Nose art of P-47D serial 42-28627 “Shack Rat” assigned pilot Lt. Arthur J Martin Jr. The aircraft ran out of fuel a mile short of Boxted on 26SEP44 and was written off, Lt. Martin survived. The Clarktor towing tractor was a common sight on U.S. airfields. (IWM)

“Lady Jane” was assigned to Captain John H. Truluck of the 63rd FG. Serial was 42-74750. Captain Truluck was credited with 7 victories. (IWM)

A fine photo of the nose art carried on P-47D serial 42-75185 “Princess Pat” of the 63rd FG. She was the mount of Lt. Charles W. Reed, who was credited with 2.25 victories. (IWM)

Stacks of 108 gallon paper drop tanks at Halesworth, with Thunderbolts of the 63rd FG in the background. (IWM)

Part I here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2024/05/29/republic-p-47-thunderbolt-color-photographs-56th-fighter-group-part-i/