Aircraft Markings

     During W.W. II the various Air Forces, Divisions, Wings, Groups and Squadrons were identified by unique markings placed on their aircraft. In Europe these markings were part of a definite plan, while in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatres the markings were of a more eclectic nature, sometimes reflecting the personal tastes of the original members of a Group or Squadron. Often a Group or Squadron is remembered as much for the markings on their aircraft as for their exploits in the skies. The markings presented below are by no means a complete presentation of the markings used by the Groups and Squadrons of the 10th Air Force. In a good many cases I have not been able to determine the markings used by a particular Group or Squadron, in others I have only been able to identify the group and not the squadron. If you can help fill in the blanks with descriptions, drawings, or identification of a squadron by the markings please E-mail me.

1st Air Commando Group

     The First Air Commando Group operated as a sort of tactical air force on group level; consisiting of two fighter squadrons, one medium bomber squadron, one transport squadron and one liason squadron. On fighter aircraft their markings were 5 narrow white diagonal bands just aft of the cockpit on olive drab aircraft, and 5 narrow black diagonal bands on natural metal aircraft. In addition all P-47s in CBI carried recognition markings consisting of a ring on the front of the engine cowling, and bands on the wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers; on olive drab aircraft the recognition markings where white, while on natural metal aircraft they were in either black or olive drab. If you have information concerning the markings of the individual squadrons attached to this unit please contact the Web Master.

7th Bombardment Group

     Unlike Most bombardment groups, the 7th was unusual in that the tail markings of its aircraft identified the individual squadrons assigned to it. Where as in Europe bomb groups were identified by a complex system of colors, geometric shapes and letters, with squadrons identified by a two letter code on the air craft, the 7th used a much simpler system wherein the design identified the group, and the placement and colors identified the squadrons.

9th Bombardment Squadron

     The 9th Bombardment Squadron marked their aircraft with a yellow stripe running fore and aft on the outboard side of each vertical stabilizer, overpainting the aircraft serial number, and a black and white checkerboard on the ourboard side of each rudder. On Olive drab aircraft the black in the checkerboard was replaced by the base olive drab finish. In addition, the 9th Bombardment Squadron placed a "Battle Number" between 20 and 39 on their aircraft. This "Battle Number" would appear either on the outboard side of each vertical stabilzer immediately below the stripe, or on each side of the nose. On natural metal aircraft this number was painted in black, on olive drab aircraft it was painted in white.

436th Bombardment Squadron

     The 436th Bombardment Squadron marked their aircraft with a black and yellow checkerboard in the forward upper quadrant on the outside of each vertical stabilizer, overpainting the aircraft serial number. On Olive drab aircraft the black in the checkerboard was replaced by the base olive drab finish. In addition, the 436th Bombardment Squadron placed a "Battle Number" between 60 and 79 on their aircraft. This "Battle Number" would appear either on the outboard side of each vertical stabilzer in the lower front quadrant, or on each side of the nose. On natural metal aircraft this number was painted in black, on olive drab aircraft it was painted in white.

492nd Bombardment Squadron

     The 492nd Bombardment Squadron marked their aircraft with a black and white checkerboard in the forward upper quadrant on the outside of each vertical stabilizer, overpainting the aircraft serial number. On Olive drab aircraft the black in the checkerboard was replaced by the base olive drab finish. In addition, the 492nd Bombardment Squadron placed a "Battle Number" between 80 and 99 on their aircraft. This "Battle Number" would appear either on the outboard side of each vertical stabilzer in the lower front quadrant, or on each side of the nose. On natural metal aircraft this number was painted in black, on olive drab aircraft it was painted in white.

493rd Bombardment Squadron

     The 493rd Bombardment Squadron marked their aircraft with a black and yellow checkerboard on the ourboard side of each rudder. On Olive drab aircraft the black in the checkerboard was replaced by the base olive drab finish. In addition, the 493rd Bombardment Squadron placed a "Battle Number" between 40 and 59 on their aircraft. This "Battle Number" would appear either on the outboard side of each vertical stabilzer in the lower front quadrant, or on each side of the nose. On natural metal aircraft this number was painted in black, on olive drab aircraft it was painted in white.

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