|
|
|
|
Nose art painted by Annette 'Toni' Robin
380th Bomb
Group
Australia & New Guinea
BIG (ASS) BIRD 2 B24D-155-CO 42-72801 531st Squadron
Toni Robin's second version of the this artwork closely resembled her
first rendition but with an added circle background and bolder, simpler lettering.
This aircraft's first combat mission was flown to Tjepoe, Java, on 17th
November 1943. It is known to have completed at least 28 missions and its gunners claimed
one enemy fighter shot down. While flying a secret mission to drop saboteurs into
Japanese-held western New Guinea on 19th March 1944, "Big (Ass) Bird II"
hit a mountain killing all ten members of Lt Otto Martens' crew.
© Ray Bowden
|
|