322nd Bomb Group
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A brief history of the 322nd Bomb Group.
On October 1st, 1942, Colonel R. Selway Jr assumed command of the 322nd Group when he joined them at Drane Field. The entire group, including both air and ground personnel, left Drane Field on November 14th 1942, headed for Camp Kilmer, New jersey, which was a staging area for movement overseas. Their supplies for the overseas move left Boston harbour bound for England. At this time the total airborne and ground personnel numbered 1,337.
At the same time the ground personnel arrived, the 451st and 452nd squadrons were assigned to Rattlesden airfield, which was a satellite for Rougham Airfield, and was 18 miles from the wing headquarters.
With the new year came news that the flying echelon was on its way. Also the group's 'coat of arms' and motto had been approved in a letter dated January 9th, a943. The motto was as follows: "Hecte Facieno Meminen Tiemo"; which translates as "I Fear None In Doing Right".
Col. Selway was replaced as Commanding Officer of the group on February 22nd by Lt. Col. Batjer, who in turn handed command to Lt. Col. Robert M. Stillman, from Pueblo, Colorado on March 17th 1943.
The 322nd flew B-26B and B-26C Marauder aircraft, and were based at Rougham from 1st December 1942, until 12th June 1943, at which time they moved to Andrews Field, where they remained until 19th September 1944.
Some more details can be found at this page: http://www.usaaf.com/8thaf/bomber/322bg.HTM
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Click here to read about one of the 322nd's missions.
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The Skyliners
The 322nd Bomb group had their own band, called the Skyliners. They were formed at the American Red Cross club on Rougham airfield. Their leader, Sgt. Frank Primack, had played in various bands in peacetime. The main vocalist for the band was Sgt. Allan Poyfair.
The Skyliners became very well known for their music. It is said they played at Covent garden on various occasions, and they recorded three tracks on acetate on the 30th July 1944.
There is one very sad note concerning the band. The drummer, Sgt. Paul Rotes, was killed in a B-26 Marauder crash at Bigods farm, near Great Dunmow. He was the tail gunner.
One incident of many...
After a mission, several B-26s returned to base with flak damage, including that of Major Gove C. Celio and crew.
On joining the landing pattern, only the right main and nose wheels would extend. Staff Sergeant C. T. Cook hung onto the bomb bay catwalk and worked on the leaking hydraulic system.
He finally managed to patch it up enough to allow Captain Robert A Porter to lower the remaining wheel with a hand pump. In all, Sgt. Cook had been soaked in hydraulic oil for an hour and 20 minutes while the aircraft circled the field.
His hard work was rewarded with the safe landing of the B-26, and the receipt of the Air Medal.
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