NAME

TP

-

M#

SER

-

BLK

-

MF

SERIAL #

AF

BG

BS

SC

RCL/#

V#-P

PHOTO CREDITS

HARD WAY, The

B

-

24

J

-

150

-

CO

44-40242

8

491

854

6X

L-

01-5

N/A

Port (Left) Side - Renamed from The PRIDE OF THE 48
AKA "BLUE BALLS" / "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. 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.

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