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Gene Hagene and his brother Adrian visiting Rackheath from Prestwick, Scotland, stand on the wingtip of a42-51280 'Litt'l Chum". 44-10596 'Rhienmachen' is in the background on hardstand #22 while 'Litt'l Chum" is on hardstand #21
Source: Eugene Hagene (Vet) - 467th Archives -
A "wintery" scene at hardstand #21 with 'Litt'l Chum' "bundled up"
Note the 'Butts' in the background. "The Butts" were located between hardstands #21 and #22 in the 790th BS area.
* The butts are where planes would let gunners check alignment of their non-optical sights
Source: Eubene H Hagene (Vet) -
TIme for an engine change. 'Litt'l Chum' getting some engine replaced at hardstand #21. Note the aircraft in the background at hardstand #25. The 'Armory Maintenance Building' is in the background on the left. The T2 hanger for this side of the field is just out of sight to the right.
The thing to make note of is the nose art just visible, partially covered by the
Last 3' painted on the nose. This ship was ferried to the ETO by a crew that was then assigned to the 93rd BG. Presuming they named her before handing her over to the 'Mod Center' and Langford Lodge upon arrival.
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet) -
"Gene" Hagene standing next to ;Litt'l Chum' in late winter '45.
Note the name 'Nate Solomson' near the Navigators window. Nate served with the 93rd BG. It has been confirmed that it was his crew that ferried this aircraft from the states. They "gave her up" when they arrived in the UK and, after she was fitted with field modifications at Langford Lodge, she was assigned to the 467th.
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet) -
'Litt'l Chum' at her hardstand during the late winter of 44/45
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet)