Martin Baltimore Guns

[mentuhotp]

Hi.
Reading about Martin 187 "Baltimore" it's always stated thar Mk V version was equipped with Brownings 0.50 inch. guns in the wings.
But, the war diaries of No. 253 Wing RAF ( Italy ) report that every Mk V, carried ammunition for both 0.50 and 0.303 calibre. Attached is an example from 18th Squadron SAAF diary, March 1945.
So:
- Mk V in Italy had the new R-2600-29 engines but retained 0.303 m.g. in the wings and the 0.50 in the turret
- It was the turret gun to be a 0.303 ( unlikely ) and 0.50s were in the wings
- The turret was a 0.50 and both 0,303 and 0.50 calibres were mounted in the wings

Any idea?
Thank You

 

[Wildcat_drvr]

Hi.
Reading about Martin 187 "Baltimore" it's always stated thar Mk V version was equipped with Brownings 0.50 inch. guns in the wings.
But, the war diaries of No. 253 Wing RAF ( Italy ) report that every Mk V, carried ammunition for both 0.50 and 0.303 calibre. Attached is an example from 18th Squadron SAAF diary, March 1945.
So:
- Mk V in Italy had the new R-2600-29 engines but retained 0.303 m.g. in the wings and the 0.50 in the turret
- It was the turret gun to be a 0.303 ( unlikely ) and 0.50s were in the wings
- The turret was a 0.50 and both 0,303 and 0.50 calibres were mounted in the wings

Any idea?
Thank You

View attachment 804926

The British loved their .303s,,,,

 

[ThomasP]

According to the Baltimore Mk V ADS the Martin mid-upper turret had 2x .50 cal w/400 rpg. There were 4x .303 cal w/400 rpg fixed forward firing in the wings (2x guns each), and 2x .303 cal w/500 rpg in the lower rear defense 'tunnel' position. In addition there was provision for 4x fixed rear firing .303 cal w/500 rpg (2x on each side abreast the 'tunnel' position).

 

[mentuhotp]

Thank You ThomasP.
That confirms the presence in the wings of four 0.303 and no 0.50s guns ( in Italian theatre, obviously ).

 

[ThomasP]

FWIW, the Mk IV had the same armament arrangements as the Mk V.