B-26B Marauder with USAAF Pilots and Ground Personnel
The first prototype of the B-26 bomber got off the ground on November 25, 1940, and it was adopted by the U.S. Air Force in February 1941. During its servicing, the design of the bomber was constantly changed to improve its flight and combat characteristics. The latest modification, the B-26B Marauder (B-26B-55-MA), was produced until February 1944. These aircraft actively participated in U.S. operations in Europe, initially based in Britain, and from the second half of 1944, on the mainland of Europe. The air raids inflicted significant damage on the enemy’s economy and required considerable effort from their air defense forces. B-26B Marauder bombers also played an active role in the preparation and execution of the strategic airborne operation “Overlord” – the Allied landing in Normandy. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, bombers of the 9th U.S. Air Force (including the B-26B Marauder) were airborne. The aircraft bombed coastal batteries, bridges, railway junctions, and other targets. The massive raids continued for several days after the invasion, with up to four hundred Marauders participating simultaneously.