The Journal of a Tail Gunner ...

[Mark Allen M]

For those of you who are following the thread "This d*mn Navy", you'll also find this Journal extremely interesting as well.
"Wayne’s Journal" provides a rare look at the life of an enlisted airman who served as a tail gunner in a 42nd BG B-25 in the South Pacific, his experiences, the people he knew, the places he visited, and how the war affected him. It's fascinating indeed.

This first link introduces you to Wayne A. Gray and gives an overview of the journal.
https://waynes-journal.com/about/

This second link starts the Journal on February 15, 1944 and continues until August 2, 1945
https://waynes-journal.com/2014/01/31/f ... 4-tuesday/

The photo below is an unknown 42nd BG B-25 with severe battle damage to the tail gunners position. I fear that this poor tail gunner might have battled to the bitter end.

[Mark Allen M]

These are all misc 42nd BG photos.




42nd BG B-25's at Munda


Capt Austin Eivers OPS officer 390th BS 42nd BG 57 missions downed twice and ditched on Rabaul Missions.


Colonel Harry Wilson in the cockpit of his 42nd Bomb Group B-25 at Guadalcanal, 1943




42nd BG captured Japanese aircraft


42nd BG B-25. Working on top machine gun


42nd BG B-25 "1 FOR THE GIPPER"


Crew of B-25 "1 FOR THE GIPPER"


USAAF 42nd BG B-25


Close call






Wish I knew who these men were.










More gun servicing

[Mark Allen M]

The 42nd Bomb Group's history

http://harrydole.com/42nd/

[Banika]

Thanks for your kind comments regarding "Wayne's Journal". I hope those that read it will also read the "notes and comments" section of each post.

[Banika]

The photographs you posted were very interesting and show details of the tail gunner's position that are rarely seen. Do you know to which bombardment squadron of the 42nd Bombardment Group these men and planes belonged?

[Mark Allen M]

I'll see if I can track the Squadrons down by a few of the named B-25's.

M

[airnutz]

Learn something new every day. I had never heard the term Hen Hussy, or henhussy is a man who does womens work or a female who tends chickens(a chicken tender?...sorry,,, )