Dad and Mom–Bob and Catharin Beanblossom–in Atlantic City before deploying to England, France, and Belgium in the 554th Bomber squadron (Fighter-Bomber) of the 386th Fighter-Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force. The 554th Patch is above.
These pictures were taken outside of Beaumont-sur-oise in France between 2 October 1944 and 9 April of 1945. This airfield had previously been seized by the Germans in June 1940. It was attacked several times by American air forces during 1943 and 1944, and was
liberated by Allied ground forces on 3 September 1944. At this point the Air Force IX Engineering Command 818th Engineer Aviation Battalion cleared the airport of mines and destroyed the German aircraft. With American know-how and determination at work, air operations commenced in summer heat and winter snow. The unit went on to win the Presidential Unit Citation for developing a new and highly effective bombing pattern that concentrated deadly force on the target while decreasing time over target.
Here are two original wartime prints from the negatives. They are smaller than a business card due to wartime rationing.
At left is a secret A26 (Katie) assigned towards the end of the war. Below Dad stands on top of the same aircraft.
According to Army records, TSgt Robert Beanblossom was awarded a Bronze Star for service here. The requirements specifically exclude aerial action, so things must have gotten a little interesting for the airman at some point. He also received the ETO Medal with five service stars and a Good Conduct Medal. His unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation. The citation for the Distinguished Unit reads in part: “The 386th Bombardment Group (M), For outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations from 30 July 1943 to 30 July 1944. During this period the 386th Bombardment Group (M) attained the most outstanding record of all B-26 Groups in the European Theater of Operations in terms of the number of successful sorties flown, tonnage of bombs dispatched and enemy aircraft destroyed, while at the same time maintaining the highest bombing accuracy score. . .” The citation states that “the eminently successful concentrated pattern bombing first employed” by the group was adopted “throughout subsequent operations over Western Europe,” and continued by listing specific successes. The citation was signed by Major General Vandenberg from the 9th Air Force Headquarters
Home Sweet Home with all the comforts. At left Dad enjoys a sunny day on the front porch of his tent–with a real door! Below left, the crew pose for a ‘family portrait.’ Below, the family pooch–an essential part of any good family–He quickly became a bi-lingual dog, understanding ‘chow’ in Belgian or English.
Tents with foyers and patios provided upscale accommodations. Roll-up tent sides provided panoramic views and cooling airflow when the temperatures rose. Bicycles were common transportation for the local folks and visitors.
A variety of training and informational posters were both useful and decorative.
Three aircraft were named “Katie” for Mom (Catharin). Two were B26s that apparently were disabled or shot down. Toward the end of the war, the unit was selected to receive the secret A26 attach aircraft. Although it looked extremely similar to the B26, it was made by a different manufacturer and had its own quirks. Use was often limited to prevent the secrets of its construction and electronics from falling into German hands.
The A26 (the solid nosed aircraft) was the last aircraft of the war named Katie. The unit was transferred to the 9th Air Force upon receipt of the A26s.
Here Dad points proudly to Mom’s name on the one of the B26s.
The secret A26 aircraft were delivered to the 554th of the 386th late in the war. The capabilities of the aircraft were not fully exploited as the “Top Brass” was afraid of losing one to the enemy.
The four bladed prop seems to have been either an update or supply issue as both A26s and B26s sported them at times.
Dad wearing a “seized” German helmet (above) suggests that the enemy was at some point a bit closer than aircraft range.
554th of the 386th chronology
Activated at McDill Field (FL) on 25 Nov 42
Lake Charles (LA) 9 Feb–8 May 43
RAF Snetterton Heath (England) (AAF-138) 3 June 43
RAF Boxted (England)(AAf-150) 10 June 43
RAF Great Dunmow (England)(AAF-164) 10 June 43
Beaumont-sur-Orise Airfield (France)(A-60) 2 Oct 44
Sint-Truiden Airfield (Belgium)(A92) 9 April–27 July 1945
Related Links
A Polish site that has some great candid European WW II pix
Good site for the B-26, but opts out if A-26 included
Another good B-26 Maurader site