[303rd-Talk] Aircraft Names

[Keith Hastie]

Thanks Jack,

Then the next logical question would be, if the a/c names were not official, somewhat transitory, and not really used by the crews, who then determined which ones were saved for posterity in the 303rd files?  Obviously there is photographic evidence for many, but I've yet to come across any for 42-102432 "Tiny Angel".

Thanks again for indulging my curiosity,

Keith

jprencher at aol.com wrote: Well stated and exactly right Gary. We didn't use the names for any reason other than someones toy or picture to send home. Our plane was VK I and that was our radio call sign. The VK identified the 358th Squadron?and the I was our plane. It was pronounceD as VIPPED CREAM? I ITEM.? We uaually flew it if it was ready and we were going on todays mission. If it wasn't ready we flew another one. If it was ready and we were not flying that mission some other crew probably took it. There was also a VK A able, B baker C charly D dog and E easy etc all proceeded?with Our 358th Squadrons VK.
?The other squadrons had another 2 letters like BN on all of their birds. Some of the planes had 2 or 3 names during their service and others never had any name at all.
???? Best Wishes,??
???????? Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Moncur 
To: 303rd Bomb Group Talk Forum <303rd-talk at 303rdBG.com>
Sent: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 3:05 pm
Subject: Re: [303rd-Talk] Aircraft Names



> 
> Can any of you enlighten me on the naming of a/c in the 303rd? 
> Specifically the 427th's 42-102432 "Tiny Angel" which was gained Apr
> 44 and lost 15 Aug 44.
> 
> Who got to name a specific a/c and why are some named and others not? 

Keith,
Early in the war most of the planes had names.  Later in the war, 
most didn't.  Some were named by the crew chiefs, some by the first 
pilot or crew.  Many were renamed two or three times.  Most crews 
flew a bunch of different planes rather than just one, especially 
later in the war.  Very few planes were assigned on one crew.

One squadron let the men name a plane after their girl back home -- 
for as long as it took to take a photo.  Then the paint was washed 
off and a new name was painted on.  

Gary


-- Gary Moncur
         Webmaster & Director of Internet Operations
         303rd Bomb Group (H) Association
         http://www.303rdBG.com 



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