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Post by batteryboy on Aug 19, 2008 0:01:33 GMT 8
Here are some captured images from a Japanese documentary reel on the occupation of Corregidor and would appreciate if he or she can help me identify or confirm the ff: Here is a scene at Kindley Field. What eludes me (and I cannot forgive myself for this since I am a WWII aircraft fanatic )is what type of plane is ditched by the side of the runway. I know there were two 0-46s, an A-27 (T-6 dive bomber version) and a Stearman PT-13 that made it there but the tail of the aircraft does not resemble any of the ones that I mentioned above. By any chance, would this be "Casiana" (Quezon's presidential yacht) or a US Army mine planter? And this photo: rubber tires. Lots of them. (Paul, remember the big truck cave? ;D FWIW,
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Post by mgk1951 on Aug 30, 2008 14:36:41 GMT 8
Hi Batteryboy This post has been unanswered for some time so I thought it must have been meant for me to respond? I am no expert on US ships, but I would like to suggest the following relating to your captured image of the sinking vessel: - President Quezon's yacht was white. It must have made a brilliant target moored in Corregidor Bay, as indeed it did.
- Details and a photograph of USAMP Harrison appear on CHS website. The hull shape and superstructure of the sinking vessel are different from that of the mine planter Harrison.
- There was also an auxiliary mine planter Neptune, which was a contract vessel.
- There were a number of river gunboats in Manila Bay. However, these had wide shallow draft hulls and had two funnels.
- There were a number of BIRD CLASS (later called LAPWING CLASS)Minesweepers in Manila Bay. These were USS Tanager (AM-5); USS Finch (AM-9); USS Quail (AM-15); USS Pigeon (ASR-6, ex AM 47) and USS Bittern (AM-36) and there may have been others. These have a hull and superstructure similar to the sinking vessel.
When launched in 1918, this class had the foremast at the front of the gun platform, which was in front of the bridge. One, the USS Quail, had its foremast later moved to behind the bridge and by 1939 the mast appeared to be shorter. The USS Quail also appears to have had some modifications to the bridge and wheelhouse by 1939. Photo comparisons (USS Quail and sinking vessel) show some resemblance.
- There were at least two Tugs in Manila Bay. One was USS Genesee (AT-55), which bears a resemblance to the BIRD CLASS Minesweepers and the sinking vessel. The masts of the Genesee, however have a fair bit of rake.
Sources for the above are: U.S. Warships of World War 1 by Paul Silverstone. and NavSource Naval History website www.navsource.org/As I said, I am no expert. Could the sinking vessel be the USS Quail - scuttled 5th May 1942? Regards Martyn
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Post by batteryboy on Aug 30, 2008 19:41:11 GMT 8
Thanks Martyn. '...really appreciate it.
Cheers,
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Post by fortman on Aug 13, 2011 20:16:19 GMT 8
Hi Batteryboy,
Regarding the unidentified plane on Kindley Field methinks you have unearthed a photo of Bill Bradford's Bellanca aircraft. In John Toland's book "But Not In Shame" he mentions "Jitter Bill" Bradford flying dangerous missions from Corregidor in a Bellanca . I lightened the photo to bring out some more detail and one sees a high wing monoplane, similar to the Bellanca. The Bellanca Skyrocket planes of the late 1920s and early 1930s have the distinctive rudder horn with large rounded tip. I also consulted Richard Bueschel's book on the history of Japanese aircraft up to 1941 and could find no Japanese plane with such a rudder, so my vote goes for the Bellanca. You can check by Googling Bellanca. I recently joined this fascinating Website after lurking for quite a while.
Regards
fortman
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Post by batteryboy on Aug 14, 2011 10:41:43 GMT 8
Hi Fortman,
Thanks a lot for the info and for the identification. '...really appreciate it.
Welcome to the forums and looking forward to reading more of your posts.
Cheers,
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Post by fortman on Sept 25, 2011 18:07:53 GMT 8
Hi Batteryboy,
While trawling the web I came across a letter written by Col. Ray T. Elsmore to Col. Kurtz, pilot of the famous "Swoose". It deals with operations from Del Monte Field 1941-42. In the letter he mentions the hazardous flights by Capt. Bradford in his Bellanca to Corregidor:
Medical and other supplies brought in by these bombers from Australia for Corregidor and Bataan had to be flown in. A Waco, a Bellanca and a Duck; all old unarmed 'crates' were all we could scrape together for the task. Courageous fighter pilots, who had been at Bataan and therefore knew how desperately their beleaguered comrades needed quinine, flew those old single-engined airplanes through Japanese infested skies, trip after trip, into Bataan. While other fighter pilots made an occasional trip, it was Captain William R. Bradford and Captain Hervey H. Whitfield,(now Majors and in the United States), who flew the great majority of these missions. Then Bataan fell. Hundreds were dying on Corregidor for want of quinine. The Bellanca was all that was left. A one-way trip had to be made, as the field on Corregidor was to small for take-off even if a crash landing could be averted. We had about fifteen fighter pilots from Bataan, so lots were drawn for this last trip. Captain Bradford drew 'the number', and while not definitely known, it was believed by all present that he planned and arranged his lot. The quinine got in, but the plane was demolished. Captain Bradford, apparently doomed to Corregidor, was sent out on the Catalina Flying boat mentioned above, General Wainwright so rewarding him for his outstanding valor in making this flight.
Regards
fortman
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