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| USAAF 5th AF 22nd BG 19th BS
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Aircraft History Built by Martin in Baltimore, Maryland. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-26 Marauder serial number 40-1411. During 1941, assigned 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG) with fuselage code 36. Assigned to pilot 1st Lt William F. Coleman. Nicknamed "Martin's Miscarriage" painted on the left side of the nose. On the right side of the nose was a figure holding a bomb. Wartime History This B-26 was ferried overseas from Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia arriving at Amberly Field near Brisbane on March 26, 1942. On April 6, 1942 first combat mission in New Guinea. On April 18, 1942 this B-26 was flown by Lt. Bumgarner from Townsville to 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby, arriving in the afternoon. On April 19, 1942 at 8:30am took off from 7-Mile Drome piloted by Lt. Bumgarner armed with 500 pound bombs as one of seven B-26s on a bombing mission against Rabaul. Inbound to the target over the Solomon Sea off Wide Bay, the formation was spotted by G4M1 Betty piloted by Yutani from the 4th Kōkūtai (4th Air Group) flying a patrol mission. Later over St. Georges Channel another G4M1 Betty claimed to intercept the formation and fire 600 rounds at the B-26s but failed to inflict any damage, nor do American reports note this attack. Over the target, this B-26s were intercepted by A6M2 Zeros as they dropped their bombs, but all missed the target. Departing, this B-26 was at the rear of the formation and targeted by Zeros. To escape, Bumgarner dove down to sea level over the St. Georges Channel. Hit by a 20mm shell in the right propeller hub and cockpit, injuring Bumgarer in the ankle, locking the elevators, and the right engine feathered itself. Afterwards, navigator 2nd Lt John McChesney performed first aid on the pilot while co-pilot Barrie C. Burnsides took control and climbed to 8,000'. While attempting to land to 7-Mile Drome, the nose gear failed to lower due to the loss of hydraulic pressure, and the B-26 was forced to make another attempt, before successfully landing. On the ground, the propeller motor was replaced and temporary repairs made to the hydraulics and wiring. Later that day, it was flown by Burnside and Pvt Harlan Ewick (bombardier) through rough weather back to Townsville. Bumgarer spent three months in the hospital recovering from his wounds. On August 9, 1942 took off piloted by Captain Winfred O. Craft flew a a bombing mission against Salamaua. The next day, flew a search mission for two bombers missing from August 7 mission against Lae: B-26 "Dixie" 40-1496 and B-26 "Yankee Clipper" 40-1512. Finding nothing, he then landed at Fall River (Gurney Airfield), which had recently been completed and tested the airfield for B-26 operations, then returned to 7-Mile Drome. By August 11, returned to Woodstock Airfield. During early 1943, the olive drab paint was stripped off to the bare aluminum finish, but retained the nickname "Martin's Miscarriage". Pilot Captain Barrie C. Burnside often flew this bomber. On September 21, 1943 took off piloted by Captain Burnsides on a bombing mission against a village on Wonam Island between Finschafen and New Britain. In total, this B-26 least 38 combat missions (19 with "Sliver Fleet"). Regular pilots included Bumgarner, Coleman and Burnside. Crew chiefs included Gernand and Hyatt. During January 1944, flown to Brisbane and scrapped or salvaged for parts. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-26 40-1411 "1411 (22nd BG) scrapped in Brisbane Jan 1944." Revenge of the Red Raiders (2006) pages 77, 177 (photo) 193 (photo), 195, 494, 519 Contribute
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