Author Description

"...an exceptional book for enthusiasts and modelers of the C-47, Fifth Air Force or Thirteenth Air Force transports, and the South and Southwest Pacific air war." --Aeroscale 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.