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Usage Conditions May Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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 Summary

This consists of twenty-six color photographs taken between November 1944 and December 1945 by Frederick J. Poats in India at Panagar Air Base, and in China at Chengkung, Hangchow, Laohwangping, Luichow, Shanghai, and Suichwan.

 Biographical / Historical

Frederick J. Poats joined the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (118 TRS), 23rd Fighter Group (23 FG), in November 1944. He was stationed in Luliang, China, and assigned to temporary duty assignments with the 26th Fighter Squadron (26 FS) based in Chengkung until the 118 TRS had established themselves at a base in Suichwan, China. Poats was stationed with the 118 TRS from that point on. From World War II's end through mid-December 1945 Poats was involved with ferrying aircraft and materiel for the Chinese government as part of the "Diffenbaugh Project."

 Identifier

NASM.XXXX.0595

Creator

Poats, Frederick J.

Date

November 1944 - December 1945

Provenance

Frederick J. Poats, gift, circa 1984, NASM.XXXX.0595

Extent

0.05 Cubic feet (1 folder)

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This group of 26 color photographs were taken by Frederick J. Poats. Aircraft and a few personnel (Poats, Lt. Leroy Price, and some Chinese) are seen in India at Panagar Air Base, and in China at Chengkung, Hangchow, Laohwangping, Luichow, Shanghai, and Suichwan. Two photos show Lockheed P-38 Lightnings of the 449th Fighter Squadron (449FS). Two photos show Poats' North American P-51D Mustang "Lady Marion" (named for his girlfriend, who became his wife after the war). One photo shows a Consolidated F-7A (s/n 42-64102) of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron. Other aircraft types depicted include: Lockheed F-5E Lightning, Douglas C-54 Skymaster, captured Japanese "Ida" (Tachikawa Ki-36) in Nationalist China markings, Curtiss C-46 Commando, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, and Republic P-47 (F-47) Thunderbolt.

Arrangement note

No arrangement.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access

Citation

Frederick J. Poats Color Photography Collection, NASM.XXXX.0595, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Topics

Lockheed P-38 Lightning Family

North American P-51D (F-51D) Mustang

Consolidated F-7A Liberator

Lockheed F-5E Lightning

Douglas C-54 Skymaster Family

Curtiss C-46 Commando Family

Republic P-47 (F-47) Thunderbolt Family

Tachikawa Ki-36 Ida

Tachikawa Ki-55 Ida

Aeronautics, Military

Aeronautics

World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- India

World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Burma

World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations

World War, 1939-1945

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Photographs