Aircraft History
Assigned to the 22nd BG during 1941 and coded #36 and assigned to 1/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.

Flown overseas and arrived at Amberly Airfield near Brisbane on March 26, 1942. Flew its first combat mission on April 6, 1942. 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.

April 19, 1942 Mission to Rabaul
Took off from 7-Mile Drome on April 19 at 8:30am piloted by Bumgarner as part of a seven bomber mission against Rabaul, armed with 500 lbs bombs. On the way to the target over the Solomon Sea off Wide Bay, the formation was spotted by patrolling a 4th Kokutai G4M1 Betty piloted by Yutani. Later over St. Georges Channel another G4M1 Betty claimed to intercept the formation and fired 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, dropped its bombs, but all missed and departed the target area at the rear of the formation. Subjected to intense fighter attacks, Bumgarner dove down to St. Georges Channel. Hit by a 20mm shell in the right propeller hub and cockpit, wounding Bumgarer in the ankle, locking the elevators, and the right engine feathered itself. Navigator 2/Lt John McChesney performed first aid on the pilot and 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, 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 removed to a natural metal finish, but retained the nickname "Martin's Miscarriage". Captain Barrie C. Burnside often led the 19th BS aircraft flying this B-26.

On September 21, 1943 piloted by Captain Burnsides flew 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"). 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
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 77, 177 (photo) 193 (photo), 195, 494, 519

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009