The 384th Bomb Group is synonymous with the B-17 Flying Fortress. However, during their time at Grafton Underwood, it would have been common to see some other types being operated by the Group, primarily in liaison flights with other 8th Air Force airfields, and possibly on some local 'excursions'.

One such aircraft was the Vultee A-35B Vengeance, #41-31379 "Filette Yvette".

The examples to be found in the inventory of the 8th Air Force came from RAF stock.

The Vengeance originated from a British requirement for an aircraft of similar use to the Ju-87 Stuka, which at the time of the request had gained an enviable reputation. The Vengeance would however suffer from the fact that by the time it had been developed, this requirement had passed - the Stuka was no longer the feared weapon it had been, and other light attack aircraft, such as the A-20 Havoc, were far better suited to the role. 

Initial batches were actually built for French air force use, but by the time they were delivered, France had fallen and as such they were delivered to the RAF under a lend-lease arrangement. The A-35B was the final development version of what started as the A-31, and came armed with six Browning 0.5 calibre machine guns in the wings, a single Browning 0.5 calibre gun operated by a gunner in the rear of the cockpit, and the capacity to carry a 2,000lb bomb load in it's dive bomber role. It was powered by a single Wright R-2600 Twin-Cyclone 14 cylinder radial engine.

The type was to serve overseas with some success - indeed it is noted that bombing accuracy was very good - however, serviceability issues hampered its use. By April 1944 the aircraft had become redundant, and airframes were transferred across from the RAF to USAAF inventories. The aircraft was reconfigured to act as a target tug, with a winch mechanism being installed under the rear fuselage and operated by the second crewman. All armament at this time was removed. During this time, several examples continued to be flown in their RAF markings, with others now sporting their USAAF colours and markings.

By late June 1944 the aircraft were passed into the care of individual 8th Air Force Groups, with most bomber and fighter groups having an airframe at their disposal.

Engine - Wright R2600 Twin-Cyclone 14 cylinder radial engine

Wing Span - 48ft (14.6 metres)

Length - 39ft 9in. (12.12 metres)

Empty Weight - 10,300lbs (4,672 kgs)

Max. Weight - 17,100lbs (7,756kgs)

Max. Speed - 279mph (450 km/h)

Range - 550 miles (685km)

Crew - 2, pilot and Winch Operator

Research courtesy of Keith Andrews on behalf of 384th Bombardment Group Museum.

With kind thanks to the 384th Bomb Group website www.384thbombgroup.com for permission in using material from their records in the making of this story. It holds a wealth of information, documents and photographs of their activities during World War