Broken USAAF Spitfires ...

[WIX_Archive]

Anyone know what (GAD-521-5TAD) means? Location?

[Mark Sampson]

Probably a negative file ID number. But people more familiar with the USAAF may know better.

[dollar65]

The first three pictures show Spit MkV W3405 of the 67thTRG, 15thTRS after a landing accident on February 3rd, 1944, at Aldermaston, station 467, UK. Pilot Robert T. Simpson.

The last two pictures show Spitfire MkVb BL365 of the 67thTRG, 15thTRS after a take off accident on March 2nd, 1944, at Chilbolton, station 404, UK. Pilot: John Robertson.

Thanks for sharing.

Laurent

[mike furline]

5M is the Squadron code for the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact- ... adron-acc/
Chilbolton, England, 1 Mar 1944; Middle Wallop, England, 16 Mar 1944

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_Attack_Squadron
During the early stages of World War II, the 15th supported the Field Artillery School in Oklahoma. On 26 March 1944, the unit deployed to England and began combat operations over France. Its first combat mission was photographic reconnaissance on a North American F-6 Mustang. On 6 June 1944, the 15th received credit for the first aerial victory by a tactical reconnaissance pilot as well as the first victory of D-Day. The unit continued armed reconnaissance operations in the European theater until July 1945. After returning to the United States, the squadron provided visual and photographic reconnaissance and artillery adjustments for Army, Navy and Air Forces until it was inactivated in April 1949.

[Flat 12x2]

The first three pictures show Spit MkV W3405 of the 67thTRG, 15thTRS after a landing accident on February 3rd, 1944, at Aldermaston, station 467, UK. Pilot Robert T. Simpson.


Laurent

I know the area well and can say that that is not Aldermaston

[junkman9096]

Just noticed it: there are oval shapes on the undersides of the both plane's wings. Are those camera pods?

[gregv]

Just noticed it: there are oval shapes on the undersides of the both plane's wings. Are those camera pods?

Pretty sure those bulges are to accommodate the drums for the 20mm ammunition. Early PR Spitfires did have underwing camera bulges though; bunch of pics here:

http://silverhawkauthor.com/canadian-wa ... rsion=true

cheers

greg v.

[Scott Rose]

Images restored. 12/23/2019

[Nightdriver]

To answer the original question at the start of the thread regarding what does 5thTAD stand for it is the the 5th Tactical Air Depot which was based at RAF Chilbolton. Please have a look at this link for more info http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/81