Another example of a decoratively lettered nose by Alex Schindelheim was seen on "Pickled Dilly". This long serving Marauder was lost on a night mission to attack the German headquarters at Chateau de Ribeaucourt in France. It was caught by a night fighter and eight other 322BG Marauders were also brought down on that disastrous mission and another crashlanded at Bottisham and was salvaged.

"Pickled Dilly" was flying its 106th mission when Lt Carson Gallien was attacked whilst on his bomb run. Crashing into a hill near Longpre-les-Corps-Saintes, Somme, killed three of his crew. The aircraft was part of a pathfinder force, equipped for night bombing - dropping on flare markers.

Note on the photo, the inscription "Daddy Mike" referring to the bombardier on another crew that had flown the aircraft in its long career.

 

© Ray Bowden 21 October 2021