WW2 Kodachrome colour - help me id these

[ozhawk40]

Some time ago I acquired a batch of old Kodachrome pics. Badly faded, I've been digitally correcting them (well attempted - happy to take advice on this process also!). I have no clue where they came from, so if anybody can help out with id's or details please add.

Here's my first effort, a B-17 search and rescue ship. Possible location Morotai?

 

[evangilder]

Pretty cool! One thing I suggest for any kind of manipulation of old images is to scan them as big and with as much DPI as possible. The more information you have to work with, the clearer the final product will be.

 

[ozhawk40]

Thanks Evan - I've scanned them at 1200dpi or about 6000 x 4000. I've reduced them to 800 x 600 to post here though.

cheers

Peter

 

[herman1rg]

Good start IMHO

 

[evangilder]

That's a good dpi for scanning. Is there nose art of that B-17. Getting that info might help determine where it was.

 

[ozhawk40]

That's a good dpi for scanning. Is there nose art of that B-17. Getting that info might help determine where it was.

No unfortunately. It does appear to be very new, and there is a reflection of the engine nacelle on the nose area I believe. I have located a photo of what appears to be a 'sister' ship on the Old CMP site. I think it is the same location, with a similar tail number. This one is "339486", but I'm not sure it is the same aircraft.

 

[ozhawk40]

Next is an easy one, but more details are welcome.

This is more certainly Morotai, with a line up of RAAF Kittyhawks. The aircraft you can see the fullest view of is A29-1054, a 77 Squadron machine. Another 77 squadron aircraft is two ships further back coded AM-V. The tail of 1054 looks like it has been repainted and the codes overpainted. The wing tip and aileron in primer?

 

[evangilder]

Primered, possible battle damage repair, or a reassigned aircraft that has not been given squadron colors yet.

 

[Wayne Little]

Can't help with the ID but great pics none the less!

 

[Wildcat]

Hi Pete, A29-1054 was a 75 sqn a/c. It suffered damage to its starboard wing from AA fire in late Jan 45, hence it was issued to 11 RSU for repairs. After completion of repairs in April, it was issued 14 RSU, where this photo was possibly taken?
Details from a/c status card.

 

[Airframes]

Good pics and great info.

 

[Wurger]

I echo the post above.

 

[ozhawk40]

Hi Pete, A29-1054 was a 75 sqn a/c. It suffered damage to its starboard wing from AA fire in late Jan 45, hence it was issued to 11 RSU for repairs. After completion of repairs in April, it was issued 14 RSU, where this photo was possibly taken?
Details from a/c status card.

Thanks Andy, that all fits.

On to bent wings - these could be the same a/c - no visible id though.

 

[vikingBerserker]

I've seen a pic like the first one, but it was from a movie set IIRC.

 

[ozhawk40]

This is one of my favourites and one I do know about. 421st NFS P-61 'Dame de la Nuit' crewed by Capt Owen Wolfe and R/O Lt Byron Allain. Four confirmed kills - 3 zekes and 1 sally. I think this one scored the first kill for the 421st, but I can't find a reference for it. Looking a bit sad, so maybe towards the end of hostilities - damage to tail booms and rudder missing.

 

[Wildcat]

Great pics Pete, keep em coming!!

 

[ozhawk40]

Great pics Pete, keep em coming!!

Oh sure - there's a few more!

OA-10 Catalinas of the 3rd Rescue Squadron, 5th AF - According to a similar pic on the old CMP site

Morotai 1944-45

 

[Capt. Vick]

Great pics! Thanks for posting!

 

[Gnomey]

Cool shots! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ozhawk40]

348th?