Although this Thunderbolt does not seem to have ever had an actual title painted onto it to accompany the nose art it was given at least four names at various times by members of the 355FG. "Uppies Hazel" was the name associated with its pilot James Upchurch but it was also called "Witch-hazel" as well as "Miss Clean Sweep" and "Honeychild" by others.

This was one of the few nose arts painted by Art that bore his signature "A. DeCosta" which can just be seen below the girl's feet, hidden partly in this image by the pilot's head.

Assigned to 354 Squadron, "Uppies Hazel" (or whatever it was called at that time) was lost while strafing after an escort mission on 26 March 1944, flown by Lt Kenneth Williams. As Williams' stream of bullets ripped into the ammo dump he had lined up on, the entire place exploded, damaged his aircraft and forced him to crashland near Chateaudun in France. With the help of French citizens he was able to evade capture and eventually return to Allied control.

 

© Ray Bowden 13 August 2022