The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of
aircraft which served in the South Pacific theater.
Volume Seven covers the Douglas C-47, including numerous derivatives
such as the C-53, R4D, and DC-3. This was the most universal aircraft
type to appear in the South Pacific and was deployed from day one to the
cessation of hostilities. It was utilized by every military organization
including eighteen Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF squadrons, and
also by the USN, USMC, RAAF, RNZAF, RAF, and Dutch Air Force.
Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside a full
explanation of the markings. Frequent trading of airframes between units
resulted in wide-ranging heraldry, unit markings, and nose art. In
particular until now there has been a paucity of information about the
markings of Thirteenth Air Force C-47s and USMC R4Ds, a gap largely
filled by this volume.
This volume illustrates the development of unit markings from the first
commandeered DC-3 airliners in Australia through to the RNZAF C-47s used
in the last days of the Pacific War in the Solomons. The profiles are
accompanied by unit histories and photos. A wide range of reference
material has been consulted including photos, color movies, official
records, diaries, and information from wreck sites.
The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on
the Pacific air war. Never before have such meticulous color profiles of
the C-47 series been illustrated with such detailed and accurate
markings.
