Color Photos

[YoungMedic]

This may be a repost but I got this in a weekly email feed thought some pictures may be "new"

http://mashable.com/2016/07/09/world-war-ii-color-portraits/#kB9.9S961mqy

 

[Steve27752]

Very good, but the second photo 1940 An RAF Pilot in Britain is not 1940.
He has a early 'C' type helmet with a 'G' type mask, is wearing a WSD (Battledress) and a 41 pattern Mae West. So more likely 1941-42.

 

[Roughwear]

I agree Steve about the wrong date. The picture is no earlier than Spring 1943 when the G-mask became general issue replacing the earlier E* mask.

 

[Smithy]

I'd also put money on that being a Lanc B.I or III with exhaust shrouds, so even the probable aircraft displayed means it couldn't be 1940.

 

[Steve27752]

I'd also put money on that being a Lanc B.I or III with exhaust shrouds, so even the probable aircraft displayed means it couldn't be 1940.

Maybe a Mossie?

 

[Smithy]

Maybe a Mossie?

I don't think so Steve, the large opening under the engine appears to be the oil cooler intake from a Merlin powered Lanc. The opening under a Mossie's engines is further to the rear, has a shallower opening and is actually the carb air intake. Also Mossies didn't use the exhaust shrouds (to dampen flame visibility) rather they had standard uncovered exhaust stubs.

 

[Steve27752]

I will agree that you are correct with the first statement. But, I believe that some WW11 Mossies did use the exhaust shrouds.

 

[Smithy]

Sorry I should have been more precise on that, rather not the thinner half cylindrical flame dampening shrouds as used on the Lanc. Mossie night fighters had different shaped shrouds, thicker and usually slanting downwards at the rear of the exhaust stack.

 

[Steve27752]

Sorry I should have been more precise on that, rather not the thinner half cylindrical flame dampening shrouds as used on the Lanc. Mossie night fighters had different shaped shrouds, thicker and usually slanting downwards at the rear of the exhaust stack.

I agree.

 

[Smithy]

It's a great image and great to see the whistle too

Gabby is wearing a B-10 further down the page isn't he?

 

[Kennyz]

Colonel Gabreski sure is, Smithy.

It's interesting that while in the USAAC, he flew 20 missions in a Spitfire with one of the RAF Polish Squadrons in 1943. Fascinating man, and a genuine war hero.

Ken