WW2 Color B-26 Marauders Over Germany

[@edparkinson1962]

Great clips. My dad flew in 26's. 9th Air Force, 9th air defense command. In 2008 my son took him and myself to the Air Force museum in Daytona Ohio . They have a 26 there. My dad didn't know this. They let us into the museum an hour early and took us to the plane. When my dad saw it he had tears in his eyes. He said he hadn't seen one up close since 1945. The person at the museum pulled the ropes away and we were allowed to get up close and touch it. I swear my dad went back in time.

[@airailimages]

What a great visit to a great museum. I think many of us will never fully realize the impact World War II had on its generation. Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your story.

[@simonyip5978]

it must have been a very emotional experience.

[@Mrfrenchdeux]

Great story! We can only imagine the great people he knew, and the experiences.

[@williamcarls614]

My Dad too, 9th AAF Shot down 3 times...but made it back to England each time ...Sleepy Time Gal , but there were probably several ;-)

[@CaesarInVa]

I believe you. My father flew in the Central Pacific with the Lexington's air group. To make a long story short, he LOVED his Corsair. Caller her "Ol' Hose Nose" because of the Corsair's elongated nose (well, really it was because the cockpit sat so far aft in the fuselage). Well, in the summer of '96, there was an airshow at the Hagerstown ANG airfield. One of the aircraft that attended was an F4U. I couldn't get him close enough to touch the aircraft because they were getting ready to start her up, but we got to within a few yards and man, you could just imagine watching him clamber up over the side, into the cockpit and begin the pre-flight...and I'm sure all the while I was thinking that, he was back on the the Lexington's flight deck, getting ready for another combat air patrol.

[@amarmot3635]

My dad flew the B-26 out of North Africa on missions over Sicily. He was shot down while returning from a mission and put it down in the water. They were rescued by a New Zealand flying boat. Regrettably, the two airmen in the rear bailed out (the plane was on fire) and were lost. He thought about those men every day for the rest of his life. He had a 25 year career with the Air Force and retired as a full colonel.

[@airailimages]

That's a compelling story. Thanks for sharing it, and thanks for watching.

[@DABURG4ME]

I believe my grandfather also flew 26's out of North Africa with the 319th. He also flew in the phillipines and south pacific.

[@lorenzomcnally6629]

My Fathers 9th Air Force E.T.O. the 323rd bomb group. He flew in the 456 squadron. He flew 153 missions in a B-26 Marauder, from 1943 until the end of the E.T.O. war in 1945. His entire crew survived and we're very lucky indeed. Flak, fighters and the ME 262 jet fighters we're super deadly between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. His last raid was over Kassel, Germany and was exactly like his first raid in enemy ferocity , tons of enemy fighters and lots of wicked flak. The Luftwaffe and their anti aircraft 88's we're as fierce as could be in protecting their country right up to the bitter end. Thank you for posting this wonderful footage of an aircraft and war for the Ages.

[@airailimages]

You are welcome. Thanks for adding your story about your father's service in B-26s.

[@2_dog_Restoration]

MY father in law Edward J. Jones also flew with the 323 Bomb Group and the 456 Squadron. Do you happen to have the names of your fathers crew? Edward flew 78 missions during the same time frame. THANKS Dan H

[@openicehit]

This was excellent! My Dad flew in B-26's out of North Africa. It was such a thrill to be able to watch these planes in flight, getting just a hint what he saw all those years ago. Wish KZbin was around while he was still alive. This would've been great to watch with him. Thank you for sharing this.

[@airailimages]

I'm glad you found it. It's always gratifying to hear from the families of veterans, and sometimes the veterans themselves.

[@stevecox1141]

Omg!! The b-26, my uncle , col. Bill boring, was shot down,survived-'wound up in b-29"s in the Pacific. Thank luv to all!!

[@kiltedscorpio]

In respectful memory of my amazing father, who became an Oregonian pioneer-pilot in the early 1930s and Airport Manager of Klamath Falls, Oregon (LMT); who flew the infamous hot-rod Martin B-26 Marauder during WW2; and later founded the first Cessna Aircraft dealership in Medford, Oregon (MFR) right after WW2. He would've been 104 years old now, but died of a series of strokes 16 years ago, tomorrow, on January 13, 2000.

[@airailimages]

Thank you for watching, and thanks for that interesting information on your father.

[@johnm6642]

Max Guiley - VIDEO MAZAMA God Bless

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Max Guiley: Today is 13 January 2019: I thank your father for his service. My step-father was an engineer on a B-26 but his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner. He stayed a POW in Poland until he was liberated in 1945. He too has since passed away.

[@gstallings522]

My father was in this squadron in WW2.."The White Tails " 453rd of the Ninth Air Force. He passed eight years ago and I miss him everyday . It is great to see this footage. Thank You

[@airailimages]

You are welcome. We respect the service and sacrifice of men like your father.

[@southbend3406]

I believe my dad served with your father. Your dad was a pilot I believe? "Thumbs Up"

[@gstallings522]

Yes my dad was a pilot. Was your dad in his crew or was he a pilot also?

[@southbend3406]

He was a bombardier/navigator. Flew 34 missions. I have his log book and noticed he flew a number of missions with your dad as the pilot. My dad organized and ran the 453rd BS Reunion Association, and I know they were able to get together at a number of reunions over the years!

[@airailimages]

Wow... I'm happy you were able to connect.

[@gittyuprv]

My dad was a tail gunner on the Marauder was killed in March of 1944 over France! I never knew him, I was 3 years old at the time!

[@richardheikkila4146]

Me dad was a captain and flew his share of missions in a B-26. My dad made it, and I'm truly sorry that your dad didnt. God bless your dad and your family.

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

I thank him and all the American Airmen. Thank you ....

[@rusty1415]

My great great uncle was a radio operator and gunner in a B-26. 391st BG 574th SQ. He was shot down but bailed during a mission over Arwheiler Germany. He survived, but became a POW until the end of the war.

[@airailimages]

Always interesting to hear family stories about veterans. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@robertvalderaz7329]

Bless the women who built these aircraft, it was known that before the tails were completed, women put notes in the tails, wishing those who flew in their planes, a safe journey. And to cone home intact.

[@robertshaw4142]

Great video. In 1944, the year of my birth, my father was a self-taught mechanic running a service/repair station in Emerson, Iowa. Unfortunately, he could not serve in the military as he had lost vision in one eye from an accident. One day a fellow stopped in and recruited him to go to work at the Martin plant in Omaha. As he was really good at figuring out mechanical stuff, they put him to work in the modifications area. There he would retrofit the B26 when new things were developed as well as work on prototype components the engineers would send down. He was proud to have been able to do his part. His only complaint was the time he lost out on an “idea of the month” award. Apparently, there was an issue in how long it took to retrofit new nose guns in the field. Dad (as he told it) took one of his Model T ignition wrenches and refashioned it to reach some bolts that normally required removing the nose cone. He said they had the new wrench manufactured and sent with the aircraft...something about changing 30 caliber to 50 caliber or vice versa. He was nominated for the idea award but lost out to someone who had suggested putting a soda pop machine in the lunchroom. He had also worked out a way for using engine heat to keep fuel from gelling in bitter cold climates. Anyway, that was his story as best as I can recollect. Respect to all of you and your relatives who served in every capacity.

[@GARTH257]

Truly amazing story mr robert shaw,your father really was one of those unsung heroes that made up the greatest generation,the UK will always stand firm with the US for the friendship forged all those years ago,RIP ALL..

[@TheChrisrods77]

Awesome footage with video, the music fits perfect. Glad to see some good footage of Marauders in action in ETO. Marauder crews put in some heavy work over there but most people only hear about the B-17' and B-24 crews. I knew a 9th AF fighter pilot and I remember he used to say the 8th AF was the glory boys because they got all the recognition. They all worked and fought hard. Its because of these brave men that I joined our nations and the worlds best Air Force.

[@padremm]

My dad was a pilot on this B26 during WW2.

[@padremm]

I forgot to say in the USA against the Uboats on the cost and was based in Pensacola...

[@willeemina]

my buddy's dad flew 26s over austria and germany. tail gunner, army air corps airman robert buzzard. he took 88s schrapnel on 17th mission. sat out 18th mission in hospital. his close fellow crewmates of 17 missions and replacement tail gunner on 18th mission, his 26 lost right wing. Only his pilot survived but later died in mental hospital. robert, he was shocked so bad, they grounded him till end of war. Sad. great man. retired in 1962 from Air Force.

[@aliray1165]

Incredible footage, and the music really suits it, great job. I feel such sadness how we no longer have this generation because their contribution was so great but reward so small.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I share the sadness at the loss of World War II veterans. Let's do what we can to keep their era alive in the minds of younger generations.

[@chrismca]

Beautifully said, Ali.

[@joeschmoe7978]

Brother Jake's Konservative Evolution More like the "opportunity" was there for those that chose to exploit. There were no "handouts" like everyone expects now.

[@peterbell2106]

Great clip......my Uncle Lt. Roy Rice was killed in a mid-air collision as co-pilot of a B26 on March 18. 1945. Age 19

[@esudworth3672]

This is amazing. My grandfather flew the B26 out of North Africa. "Gotta Match" and "Hot Garters". 3 DFC and the Croix De Guerre with Palm. Amazing piece of machinery.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and for sharing a bit about your grandfather's time with B-26s.

[@Timmyt79]

Thankyou for this footage.. 75 years since the liberation of Europe and the D day landings but please let's not forget what was going on elsewhere... Especially the British forces on the Africa front whee my grandad Frank Bates from the Raf served flying American B26's as a radio operator. Rest in peace Grancha x x

[@airailimages]

Thanks for adding your comments.

[@Mark-jl2ix]

Some of the Bravest Men ever flew in these planes. God bless you and Thank You, Thank you...

[@jeanpierret748]

My father was pilot of Marauder..French free Force en 44,45..Transport Strasbourg and North Africa

[@timk.9827]

Great video, These folks were the greatest generation!

[@simonyip5978]

the opening few scenes are brilliant..

[@airailimages]

We were pleased to be able to present this footage. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@robertvalderaz7329]

I am amazed of our WWII aircraft. So beautiful and rugged, for the time. America built quality back then.

[@zoot21suit]

And the majority were built by women.

[@larrymonske8086]

My Uncle Royce Harrington flew these planes in WW2 he was a hero and I hope he is still alive. Where ever you are fair winds and clear skies. Love ya.

[@chiefs1970a]

Really appreciate seeing these planes in color and flying formation. Even in April, 1945 the sky was difficult with the German jets coming at them. My dad was a mechanic with 391st Bomb Group, 573rd Squadron and told me that pilots said a jet would make one pass, shoot up a bomber and on the way down try and shoot another one down. I read a year ago about a very few B-26 gunners had taken out a jet fighter.

[@ElNinoDeOro1925]

I missed alot of history back in school of this kind of things.

[@pretzelogic2689]

To this day I can not figure out why this aircraft seems so beautiful to me. It's spooky. Thank you for posting this incredible tribute to the B-26.

[@airailimages]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SteveinUK1969]

Great video! It's really good to see footage of yet another unsung workhorse of WWII that played as much a part as the B-17's, B-24's and B-25's. Thank you for sharing.

[@airailimages]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stephyeraut1645]

Yes, I should have said thank you as well. I didn't know my father, he and my mother met whilst he was a pilot at Earls Colne. I thought it about time I saw the type of plane he flew. They were very brave young men. Thanks for the footage again.

[@Spawn-td8bf]

Considering how late in the war this bird came out, this is some of the best footage of the B-26 I've ever seen. Even the test footage at the end where they were doing a single engine flight test is a treasure to behold. And as stated by ali ray below, the music fits brilliantly. It truely honors the memory of the crews and planes. My Grandfather was a SeaBee in the Pacific during the war and clips like this honor their memory quite appropriatly. Thank you so much for putting this together. God Bless from Florida.

[@airailimages]

Thank you very much.

[@danzervos7606]

My father had some time in a B-26 while stationed in Sioux Falls SD. He spent the war as part of the training force flying gunners, navigators and performing instrument flying instruction. He was flying B-29's by the end of the war and was recruited by a colonel forming a B-32 group to go overseas. That was canceled after the atomic bomb. He considered the B-26 the hottest plane he flew. He said that if you put the nose down a little bit, it would go well over 300 mph. I lived in Tampa for awhile. MacDill AFB is there. During WWII there was a saying, a Marauder a day in Tampa Bay. It was more plane than many pilots could handle. My father had a run in with a superior officer who came back from the Pacific with 3 kills, if I remember correctly. The guy had a superiority complex and took a B-26 out one day. My father went along as the co-pilot. It shook my father up because the "ace" didn't allow the ground crew to pull the props through. Without doing that, there was the risk of blowing the heads off cylinders on the bottom due to oil build up. The engine could still run - but maybe not for long. Later my father had to check this guy out for instrument flying. What he would do is take a pilot up into the clouds, turn the plane upside down, and say "It's all yours". The "ace" got all disoriented, didn't pass the checkout. Later when on the ground, he reported my father for taxiing too fast. Father Peter Rookey (a famous priest) had a brother who died in an Air Corp training accident and another, Tom, who flew the B-26. On his 43rd mission Tom's plane was damaged and he had to make an emergency landing in Belgium (in Allied hands at the time). The B-26 had the lowest lost rate of any bomber in the ETO. I think this is largely because one of the things they were tasked with was bombing German air bases prior to D-Day. The Germans had hundreds of bases across Europe where they normally didn't have planes, but would use the bases to move their relatively meager forces around to be where they needed them. The Allies wanted these bases disabled so the Germans could not move forces up to oppose the Normandy invasion. The Germans did not respond vigorously to having empty fields blown up. Four B-26 bombers were at Midway Island during the Battle of Midway. They attacked the Japanese fleet with torpedoes. Two were shot down and the surviving two were shot up. Unfortunately at that time, American aerial torpedoes had a very high failure rate and no Japanese ship was hit with a torpedo that exploded. I believe this is the only time the B-26 was used for torpedo attacks.

[@BanjoBanker]

The B-26 was not late to the war, it went into service in 1940. My father was a Bombardier/Navigator in the 17th Bomb Group, 432nd Squadron. His squadron went to Oran in late 1943, and joined up with the other squadrons already there. According to Dad, the B-26 was a joy to fly and would take massive amounts of damage and still fly. I was fortunate enough to visit the USAF Museum at Dayton with him! The wonderful staff allowed him to get up close and personal! I will never forget his face. He has be gone eight years now and I know he would been pleased to watch this footage, thanks for posting it.

[@mikkel066h]

It was the A-26 that came late

[@erikazauzig6111]

Beautiful film. My dad was a bombardier/navigator and participated in the bombing of the Romania oil fields. I miss him so much.

[@TankerCMD]

The Marauders in here include some from the 455th Bomb Squadron (Without Wings, We Fly!"), 323rd Bomb Group, 9th AF. This was likely filmed in April, 1945. My good family friend, Marauder Man LT Angelo R. Aquaro, told me of flying a mission with the 455th in April 1945, during which he had the "honor" of having an AAF camera man accompany him, to take some color footage!!

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Yeah. Great video. It's nice to see things in color. Black & White can be inspiring and informative but it doesn't seem real some how. It's like "Oh ... here's something from the past ..." but with it in color - you can see things more like the people who were there saw them. .

[@leakycheese]

I really enjoyed that video, thanks for posting. While it was a weapon of war the Marauder was a very fine looking aeroplane with sleek lines and excellent proportions, a rarity for a bomber.

[@airailimages]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lorenzomcnally6629]

In a dive the B 26 could hit 475 mph. Two 2,000 hp Pratt and Wittney engines. With a tail wind without bombs it could outrun most German fighters at 350 mph.

[@jackfuller8960]

Lorenzo McNally Except it really couldn't because it could probably do about 330mph on a good day whilst most German fighters could do 400 or more.

[@lorenzomcnally6629]

yes, it averaged 315-330 mph cruising with full fuel and bombs. However, "...you'd put the nose down and the Marauder would soon be indicating 360 mph. Usually, that was enough to keep the enemy away, but if he was close enough to begin with, he only got one pass. In a long dive, it would exceed the 400 mph structural warning but still fly." p. 9, 'Marauder Men,' Major General (RET.) ,John O. Moench, Library of Congress Card Number 89-90739 Copyright 1989. My Father confirmed this and after the war spoke with surviving Luftwaffe fighter pilots who greatly respected the speed of the B-26, and the , ...12 -50 CAL's barking back at them and the physical toughness of the aircraft itself. One hard pass was all a single German fighter had at a Martin Marauder. And, as a result the B-26 was the most effective (same bomb load as a B-17) and survivable war machine with the lowest loss rates of any WW2 combat aircraft, esp over the E.T.O. . My Father led many a raid in the ETO because he had an uncanny ability to outwit/guess the 88 flak batteries that we're at their deadliest effective range of 12,000' or so. Guessing left and right turns (correctly) with 300 planes following, to and from targets, could mean really bad results from 88 flak at those altitudes. That 88 flak gave my Father PTSD nightmares for many years after the war.

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

+Lorenzo McNally Thanks for sharing this wonderful information and story's. A totally underated aircraft.

[@theien5929]

My uncle was a B 26 copilot who flew in North Africa. He was shot down by German ground fire near Tunis and drowned at sea in April 1943. Five of the six crew members also died. He was in the 320th bomb group. The lone survivor was picked up by a German gun boat and imprisoned. After the war he ended up marrying my uncles sister. Many bomber crews were lost, it was a very dangerous assignment. I am an old man now and the last to remember him. He was the pride of the family.

[@airailimages]

Thank you for adding that family story, just before Veterans Day.

[@richardheikkila4146]

My dad didn't speak a lot about his years flying missions over W.W.II Europe, but I was always very proud of him. I still have his Captains cap and an oil painting and model of a B-26 that my grandparents kept during their lifetime. After their passing, I took" custody "of these precious rememberances , including the letters my folks wrote to eachother. My dad was quite a a caricature artist and drew pictures of things like his bunk house, his plane and Abraham Lincoln. Apparently his plane was hit, but to everyone's amazement and reassurance, it was a dud. I am taken with emotion after reading many of your stories also. No matter your political affiliation, we can all be proud of our fathers and everyone else's father's, brothers and sons flying services then. This is not to exclude all the other brave men and women who did their duty during this and all past wars. God bless them all.

[@richardwilliams5312]

fantastic footage and the music suits it perfectly. it's spine chilling watching footage like this in colour

[@airailimages]

Thank you. It is exciting to find footage like this in the archives.

[@TheMTZkids]

This video is amazing. My Grandpa was a turret gunner on a B-26 Marauder. If anyone sees this comment and has any personal connections to anyone in the 394th Bombardment Group 586th Squadron (their patch was the green and white one with the donkey in a tophat kicking a bomb), please reply or message me. I know it’s a long shot as many men flew in the 586th over the course of its five-ish year run, but if I could find anyone related to someone from my Gramps’ crew, I’d give anything to connect with them. He passed away when I was only 19 (I’m 39 now) and while we were very close, he didn’t talk about the war with anyone but his WWII buddies. I know he would’ve opened up to me down the road had he lived longer, but sadly I’ll never get that chance. I have so many questions.

[@model-man7802]

Fantastic footage,great music too.Thanks for the upload.

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

loved the music and fascinating footage.

[@kellycollins6856]

man that was awesome. my granddad was in ww2 this reminded me of him great footage. Thank you

[@airailimages]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We grew up with that wonderful generation as our role models.

[@timpridemore4252]

My mom and dad worked for Martin building the B-26. Mom in parts packaging (she used to count nuts and bolts in her sleep) and dad on starboard engine install.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for adding your family story, and thanks for watching.

[@seth1987]

Thank you for sharing !

[@buddyollieextreme9590]

Beautiful plane! One of my favorite medium bombers or ww2.

[@QronoZ713]

Absolutley fascinating. I am too young to have lived during this time, but my grandpa was alive. We (Sweden) we're never in conflict tho. It's intersesting to see these images, let's hope we'll never have to reexperience this.

[@UserName-us1nm]

Lol, I'm guessing you're a neo nazi... I mean, it's not like the nazis were bullies to 6 million jews and another 5 million slavics...

[@StrokerAce3983]

e james lol you must have been dropped on your head several time when you we're a baby. Because what you are saying is probably the most retarded thing I've heard in a while.

[@irydka22]

e james

[@71superbee3]

Just wish there was audio of those engines. Especially while in formation..

[@lafeil]

Great work on video and helping history alive.

[@danbro1970]

My uncle (my mother's brother), Travis McCullough, was a gunner on a B-26 Marauder from THIS UNIT at this time. He is most likely in one of these planes shown in this film. His unit was the 323rd Bomb Group, 454 Squadron, 9th Air Force based in Denain/Prouvy France time frame Feb 9th 1945 to May 15th 1945. He was shot down over Bierstadt, Germany March 24, 1945. He and his radioman, Paul Raynowska bailed out and were captured by the Germans. Travis and Paul escaped from the Germans and made it back to the US lines at Hofheim, Germany on March 29th, 1945. The Marauder's pilot, Charles Hollis, was KIA and his body never found. The co-pilot, William Stroman was KIA and is body was buried in Belgium. Two other crew members, Sgt Carl Konior's and Sgt Robert Schneller's bodies were never found and were listed as MIA. Travis stayed in the new US Air Force after the war in the SAC command and retired at 20 years.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching, and for adding your uncle's story. That's a good way to remember the wartime generation.

[@Vam733]

You will never be forgotten.

[@airailimages]

I'm glad you feel that way.

[@jeanpierret748]

My father was pilot in 44 45 of Marauder..Free Force French.. "j'en suis fier"

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and sharing that information. I'm sure you have some proud memories and stories about your father.

[@jeanpierret748]

tank you very much👍our response honore my father was au Bourget base aérienne 104..in memoriam

[@YouT00ber]

Some really amazing footage that's well put together. Wasn't easy!

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

Great music with a great video! Thanks

[@airailimages]

Glad you appreciated it. Thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting.

[@nayemurrahman5237]

GamePlayWithNolan ভ্্লসদস্ব

[@nayemurrahman5237]

airailimages লহ

[@647lapua5]

beautiful, and I am forever indebted to those men's sacrifices

[@loganlorn]

Great footage! Beautiful music! Excellent! Thank you!

[@airailimages]

You are welcome.

[@jeremybear573]

Great Footage! True Warriors here!

[@airailimages]

Yes! Thank you for watching and thank you for commenting.

[@youreale]

2:51 amazing photography.

[@jeep35matt506]

What music is this? With the footage it stirs up memories of all the WW2 vets I have come to know, love and lost over the decads. Like most things the last connections linking us to this event are slowly disapearing.

[@airailimages]

The music is from the Audio Blocks collection; numbered pieces from their catalog, listed at the very end of this video. And, yes, I share your sense of loss as we say goodbye at an increasing pace to our World War II role models.

[@richardheikkila4146]

Although I wasn't born until later, I do have an amusing anecdote you might enjoy. As an airline employee for a number of years, I came across this true story. It seems that a few years ago, an American commercial airliner had landed in Frankfurt and while taxing ro his gate, misunderstood the towers instructions and took the wrong exit. The tower was very abrupt with this pilot demanding to know" what's the matter, have you never been to Frankfurt before?" "Yes, sir", said the airline captain,"during the war, but we never had to land".

[@scottbrookes7652]

Blue Skies guys.

[@thomaslackey8781]

These amazing men...😪😢as a retired tanker- I hope we never have to ask our young men and women to go where they don’t want to . Do what they know is right. Die if necessary. All for one word-freedom. Sleep well men- blue skies.

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

Well said son

[@zenhen617]

My great grandfather was in the 22nd bombardment group

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching. It's good to have ties to history with family members.

[@sp1n4l]

My grandfather always told about Marauders. He was just a simple man in Italy. Brazilian guy at monte cassino. FEB was powerfull! People from Brazil Unite!

[@TomRaimondi-rg6pi]

Excellent color photography, they say the B-26 was a very difficult to twin-engine bomber to fly. Most preferred to fly the B-25 Mitchell but there were some Pilots Master the technique of flying B-26 Marauders. I prefer to watch this because there is no speaking just music.

[@floutierroland4838]

A la mémoire de mon père, Jean Floutier, navigateur sur Martin Marauder, engagé volontaire en 1944 à l'âge de 18 ans...

[@andybiehn6649]

Great grandfather flew these

[@007vsMagua]

I love this video. My dad flew all his missions out of France over Germany as a bombardier in the B-26. Dad retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel. He passed away three years ago and a video like this reminds me of his life. Off hand, I'm unable to remember his Bomb Group, but the 323rd sounds familiar.

[@airailimages]

Glad you found this video. Yes, when I encounter certain aviation topics, I am reminded of my Dad's career as an aeronautical engineer; his World War II experience was just starting out as a draftsman at Northrop in the P-61 Black Widow era.

[@williamstanley2105]

My father was a tail gunner from the 322nd. They flew from Andrews Airfield, Great Saling, UK.

[@infinitecanadian]

These guys were so awesome. Glad that we had them to take the fight to the Krauts.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Uncle flew B26s out of France and over Germany late in the war with the 9th air force. P47s always escorted them. The missions were coordinated with other groups so German defenses could not pile on them. Enemy fighters by this time were very few. FLAK another story.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching, and for adding family history.

[@steveboros1961]

The HOT ROD of WW11!

[@hermantinoherman5319]

nice video.original picture.....yesss

[@choochoo3985]

Crewed A-26's in Nakon Phenom Thailand Royal Thai Air Base during the Viet Nam era. We had two in our Eagle Group. Eagle 1 and Eagle 2. They flew night missions leaving around dusk and returning before 11PM generally. Unfortunately one night one of our Eagles failed to return. We sat in her parking spot until almost 1AM knowing she would have run out of fuel hours before, but hoping she landed somewhere else in South Viet Nam. I worked field operations at this time and we never heard from or about her,. Loosing a crew especially in a small operation like our Eagle group was like loosing a family member. The next day was just as bad as her space was empty except for her fire bottle and chocks.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for adding your story. That's a somber reminder of that era.

[@marciebalme588]

very good thank you

[@airailimages]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@stephyeraut1645]

My father flew Marauders from Earles Colne in Essex England during WW11 his name was William Wallace Rucker Jr. Does it ring a bell with anyone

[@airailimages]

Thank you for watching and for adding a bit of your family history. Hope you get some responses.

[@chiefslief1886]

wow Nice channel and footage! thanks

[@airailimages]

You are welcome!

[@cynthiadesmond4906]

MyUncle Lt.Hugo E.Conforti was a navigator/bombardier 9th Air Force Bomb Squadron 451st..bomb group 322nd in the B-26 Over 15 successful missions including D-Day Utah beach bombing. 7/19/44 mission to bomb railway bridge Nantes France..heavy flak..his chute didn't open up and he landed through the roof of a French couple. They managed to bury some of his remains and years later my Grandma received them..an amazing story in itself.. My Hero..along with my Dad Leo S.Sgt.who survived having been shot in the hand fighting in Germany and lived a long life😘🇱🇷

[@airailimages]

Thank you for sharing your family story -- that's a tough one, and important to remember.

[@cynthiadesmond4906]

I have my Uncle's 451st "yearbook "..letters and such..at some point want to donate in the Conforti name to one of the museums..I know the book is rare but would never sell it.. I was born 10years after Hugo "Uncle Buzz" died but we all feel like we knew him❤

[@allgood6760]

Thanks for this ✈️🇳🇿

[@airailimages]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dickyfisher9249]

They reffited these Planes with bigger Engines an put 8 50cal's in the Nose for use in Vietnam.

[@airailimages]

Actually that was a different machine -- unfortunately, the Air Force redesignated the Douglas A-26 Invader to become the B-26 after the Martin B-26 Marauders were retired from service. It's been a source of confusion ever since.

[@patrickmann3123]

Did they also do that in WW2 used to be a comic in the UK with a B-29 with loads of guns on the front in the 70`s.

[@airailimages]

For ground attack during WW2, some twin engine bombers including versions of the B-25, A-20, and A-26 did receive increased numbers of forward-firing guns.

[@Skilly31]

Nothing beats a great big Lancaster

[@72604000]

i like it,thanks

[@airailimages]

Thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching.

[@ttrestle]

Definitely a forgotten medium bomber. Not as well known as the B-17 and B-24. But the MM was highly capable and successful. Especially after they lengthened the wings.

[@wolfgangwind788]

Auch wenn Kriegsflugzeuge Tod u Verderben bringen , so bin ich dennoch von dieser alten Flugtechnik mit Radialmotoren bzw ,, Sternmotoren" seit meiner Jugend begeistert ( geboren 64 ) ich habe mit meinem Freund zusammen 1/72 Scale Airfix , Revell , Matchbox usw gebastelt- auch die sehr detaillierte Marauder

[@airailimages]

Immer wieder schön von Modellbauern aus anderen Ländern zu hören. Vielen Dank fürs Zuschauen.

[@kenowens9021]

George Gobal was an instructor in Oklahoma. He was proud of the fact that no Japanese planes got past Tulsa.

[@marconi451]

My Dad helped these at their plant in Baltimore.

[@raymondfrankwick6965]

After the world is shaken by an earthquake with my birthplace's name on it...10/01/87 I learned my father's WWII serial number. It was on the bottom line (Whichever open position his Air Navigator's Log, may be sitting in; turned to.) with our signatures. OUR NAMES.

[@ultramagnus7337]

in memory of those how fought in the war and war dogs

[@airailimages]

What a great bunch of people.

[@ultramagnus7337]

and the dogs who served as well and they are also a man best friend

[@robsan52]

So poignant...my Uncle Bill was a B-26 bombardier/navigator in Europe and my step father was an engineer/gunner in the Pacific.

[@airailimages]

Glad you found the video, and good to add a bit of family history in the comments, honoring those World War II veterans. Thanks.

[@theallseeingmaster]

Kodak did color film wonderfully; to bad the company committed suicide.

[@muskycoop]

Does anyone know the name of the plane at the 7 minute mark and what squadron it was in? It looks like the plane Lttle Pink Panties in the 391st bomb group from my grandfather's world war II album. He was a proud B26 co-pilot in the 573rd BS.

[@ziggymorris8760]

Looks a lot like a havoc

[@Kayaz48]

Curious why you didn't credit the soundtrack. Who is it?

[@airailimages]

Did you see the end credits for the Audio Blocks selection numbers?

[@paulgerald5808]

The most famous B-26 , Flak Bait...

[@TobyLawnjockey]

There is a book, by a Polish pilot, who took up mercenary flying in africa, postwar.. he chose 1 of these (and had a good mechanic)..bit of an a-hole, (but not a bad yarn).

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Am guessing this is the Polish flier who used a Douglas B-26 Invader (as the USAF unfortunately renamed the A-26, causing everlasting confusion between the A-26 and the B-26.)

[@TobyLawnjockey]

@@airailimages I'll try and find it, I read it about the same time as "the big show", by Clostermann, (excellent read, btw)..

[@jeanpierret748]

He was lieutenant..transport from Strasbourg and North Africa

[@paulgerald5808]

USAAF 9th Airforce 1942/1943 to 1945 E T O ..

[@jeanpierret748]

Base 104 du Bourget..Il a cottoyé l'escadrille "Normandie Niemen"

[@rajanthind4759]

I wish there is no world war in future

[@steveboros1961]

Can you fly....? We'll see!

[@ILSRWY4]

The Widow-maker...

[@feslerae]

Does anyone know if they used oxygen or did they fly low? Thanks.

[@ecdesperados5524]

feslerae They used oxygen I believe. In order to get a somewhat safe distance away from flak they had to be at least 20,000 feet up

[@stevewilson7819]

There is a great documentary here on KZbin made by actual B26 pilots and crew. They said they did not have oxygen systems on the B26. So they had to stay between 10 and 12,000 feet on their missions. I just assumed they had O2 on those planes.

[@lorenzomcnally6629]

They had oxygen on B-26's in the ETO. They regularly flew combat missions at 10,000-15,000 feet elevations over their targets. B-17's flew as high as 35,000 feet regularly. The effectiveness of enemy flak lessened with higher altitude. The oxygen was used at the discretion of the Captain and crew. Especially at various altitudes for evasive or mission reasons. B-26 Marauders flying at 12,000 ft suffered greatly from 88 Anti Aircraft batteries. @ 12,000 ft the German 88's energy and spread was at its optimum deadly effectiveness. My Father told me these things from his B-26 WW2 experiences

[@AB-wf4gt]

Heros

[@airailimages]

Yes.

[@brettlloyd4446]

Great american ww2 medium bomber

[@herrprepper2070]

The terrible waste and misallocation of resources… especially the wasted lives.