The HARD WAY (V1) (PIC 5)

NAME

SER

BLK

SERIAL #

RCL/#

V#-P

PHOTO CREDITS

HARD WAY, The

150

44-40242

491

854

L-

01-5

N/A

Port (Left) Side - Renamed from The PRIDE OF THE 48 to The HARD WAY to The HOMING PIGEON

Contributor - Brendan Wood

Info Contributor - Tom Brittan
Original aircraft. Named The PRIDE OF THE 48 with a picture of the outline of the United States having a pin up girl in the centre. Next a circle was painted on containing a skull with a tuft of red hair and two six shooters and seven aces of spades underneath and it was named The HARD WAY. This picture was covered with blue paint. In a communication dated 23 Jun 44 from 491st BG to 2nd BD, it is listed as having no name and its insignia is described as a plain blue circle. At that time, it was nicknamed BLUE BALLS. It was finally named The HOMING PIGEON which, with artwork of a peak-capped pigeon riding a bomb, was painted on the nose. RCM installed. Repaired after engine caught fire on 26 Sep 44 while taxiing for take-off on a mission to Hamm. Returned 5 Jan 45 from BAD 2, Warton, Lancashire. Transferred from 854th BS to 852nd BS (3Q G) in Jan or Feb 45. RZI May 45 having completed 95 missions.