Posted:
By: COL Bruce E. Empric
On: 11/25/2003
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Scott,
I have the NARA xerox copies for the three photo references you cited for "Shade Ruff." Based on the information contained on the copies, all three photos are of "Shade Ruff # 2." All are nose shots of the ship. In at least one of the three copies, the graphic "# 2" is clearly present after the words "Shade Ruff" on the ship's left front side. So we have photographic confirmation that the ship actually carried the "# 2" designation for at least some period of time. In the two other xerox copies of the photos the "# 2" is either not visible (given the angle) or has simply faded away owing to the harsh environment/repeated combat missions over Germany. What's also very interesting about these shots is that a name is painted near each of the crew positions on the aircraft's nose/forward area. On the chin turret, for example, the words "Betty Baby" appear. My late aunt's name was Betty! While it may only be a coincidence, it may also very well be the case that the 1LT Stine crew assumed this ship and painted it up once the original "Shade Ruff" went MIA on 8 MAR 44.
Based on the info you provided, I will likely request that NARA send me xerox copies of the two NARA photo reference numbers for "Shade Ruff 2" just to see what they show. Thanks again.
Regards,
Bruce
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