| a/c name: | type: | s/n: | sqdrn code(s): | manufacturer: |
| UC-78 | 43-7846 | S9*D | Cessna | |
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The UC-78 was used to run parts errands, pick-up new pilots and whatever hack duties that the moment required. It also was the camera-ship in so many of the formation photos seen in various publications. Roy Tiefeld used to sit in the open door and snap shots of guys as they buzzed by -- capturing some of the most breathtaking shots of photo Lightnings in flight ever taken. This includes the renowned photo of "Mary" that has been so widely published! |
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| a/c name: | type: | s/n: | sqdrn code(s): | manufacturer: |
| He 72 | Heinkel | |||
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For a short -time, the 34th PRS operated a pair of Heinkel He 72 trainers. These planes had been found on a captured airfield just north of Stuttgart and liberated by pilots Larry Schmidt and Phil Hooke. Flown back to Hagenau, the He 72s were used to give orientation flights and "joyrides" to ground personnel. Seen here in one of the hangers at Hagenau, fun and games with the Heinkels ended when one such flight terminated abruptly with the pilot completing a loop vertically into the runway. The event was recorded by 34th PRS Operations Officer Major Jim Frakes in his Operations Diary: |
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| a/c name: | type: | s/n: | sqdrn code(s): | manufacturer: |
| AT-6F-NT | 44-81774 | Z | North American Aviation | |
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Support aircraft filled a vital role in moving people and parts from place-to-place. Although not as glamourous as the combat types of the unit, the AT-6 was one of the planes that helped make the 34th PRS shine in the annals of history. It is the Texan that was used as the camera ship for some of the aerial and formation shots which are so well known in various publications. The AT-6 was also used as a photo platform to take aerial shots as featured in the personal collections of various squadron members. One of the most notable is that of Floyd Boeken, who's collection is soon to be featured in the new Gallery Section. It was in this plane that Floyd made a photo tour of the region from Hagenau in the Spring of 1945. Other than the fact that this plane was part of the block built in 1944 from serial nos. 44-81645 to 44-82600, little else is known about this specific Texan accept that the 34th had one available to them at various times along the way...and it is assumed to be the same aircraft. More information pending further research. (Floyd Boeken) |
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| a/c name: | type: | s/n: | sqdrn code(s): | manufacturer: |
| Eager Beaver Buggy | L-5A | 42-98653 | Stinson | |
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Flown by many, the L-5 was really Eldon Fish's plane as he was the Crew Chief. More complete details on this aircraft are pending research, but this basic type was built by Stinson and license-built by Consolidated and Vultee. Seen here at Station 465 (Chalgrove), "Eager Beaver Buggy" is not thought to have made the trip to Rennes. 2Lt. Charles F. Hoy specifically recalled flying a Piper L-4 across the Channel to Rennes. It is believed that this plane was lost in an accident...another victim of that daring young Lt. York. But we have not found specific evidence of this thus far. (Charlie Hoy) |
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