Guys have been looking without luck for a picture of a black cat (felix?) holding a bomb that I think was on WWII german planes, perhaps US. Need this for my project. Am thinking someoen must know where to find it. Thanks. Pete
or search web sites using "nose art" - I found some great sites (links saved on the other pc) and some great stories. There was some fierce shit going on up there!!
Pete, At first I thought perhaps the "nose-art" you're thinking of might be the personal emblem of German fighter ace Adolph Galland. It was an early "steamboat willie" style mickey mouse with a pistol and an axe. Just do a google image search of Adolph Galland and there wil be several images and views to choose from. Then I did a quick google search for Felix nose art and hit on this site http://www.nose-art.net/T-6.htm. Where they had the image that is hopefully attached to this reply. If you need any other info about which bomber group etc. this originated with I've got firends down at New England Air Museum who mihgt know.
Perhaps you are thinking of Carrier Air Wing 14 with a long and glorious history known as the Tomcatters? http://www.f3hdemon.homestead.com/files/vf_31patch.gif
Thanks guys thats just what I was after. If anyone sees a really good high resolution image I'd love that as I'll need that for what I plan. Its amazing the number of missions some of those planes did in the first link.
That emblem of "felix" originated in WW-2 as the following Squadrons of the USN,VF-3,VF-4 and VF-6 , it became VF-31 post WW-2 , the WW-2 versions had a white background ,felix also has faced left and right depending on the emblem/era etc. Johnny
Last used by the "Tom Catters"... had it on my Roadster before the cowl panels were replaced. Or how about a Black Cat scaring a Bombshell?
I have a book on Airplane nose art packed away in my folks attic, next time I am there I will see if I can find it.
Vintage Aircraft Noseart is the book. http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Aircraft-Nose-Art-Photographs/dp/087938266X Heres a link.
Lt. Edward H. Butch OHare in his Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat giving a thumbs up at Naval Air Station Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii. 10 April 1942. Note Felix the Cat insignia of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3) and five Japanese flags representing the five enemy bombers he was credited with shooting down. Courtesy of The National Archives.
I make WW2 Squadron/Group/Nose art leather patches, USAAF/USN/USMC , any 5-6 inch patch of your choice $50.00 each/total including postage (in the US) ,for sample photos drop me your email and I'll send some your way . Johnny View sample of patches I've made at this link, http://s1334.photobucket.com/user/EMBLEMHUNTER/library/Patches