Martin B-26 Marauder 397th Bomb Group Aviation Art Print by Artist Chris French FGAvA
Upon arriving in the U.K, the 397th Bomb Group was assigned to the USAAF 9th Air Force for tactical bombing duties. Its home base for the first four months was Rivenhall, Essex, from where this aircraft is seen taking off.
In the lead-up to the allied invasion on 6th June 1944, the 397th were employed in the bombing of German communication and transport hubs . During their time at Rivenhall, one aircraft was used for an extensive photo-shoot in colour and it is this aircraft X2-A “Dee-feater” that is seen here.
In the weeks following D-Day, the group would leave Rivenhall , being based firstly at Hurn before moving to the continent where they would move bases numerous times while assisting the allied advance through Holland, Belgium and Germany.
Our thanks go to Brian Gibbons for his help in the writing of this description.
