S07 → N400
The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected
SPIKE 68
→ NOSE ART.
© 1. Airman Willard E. Grande II, U.S. Air Force — Maj. Loren Coulter exits an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan (2011) / 2. Spartan7W — A Lockheed P-38H Lightning, named Honey Bunny / 3. R. T. Smith/SDASM Archives — Hell’s Angels The Flying Tigers - China (1942) / 4. Royal Air Force official photographer — Wing Commander Ian “Widge” Gleed, leader of No. 244 Wing, in his Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB at an airfield in Tunisia (1943) / 5. unknown — Francesco Baracca posing by his SPAD S.XIII (1918) / 6. U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot — KC-135 tail number 71447 / 7. Charles Fenno Jacobs — Sgt. J.S. Wilson, USA, painting a design of the prow of a bomber based at Eniwetok (1944) / 8. unknown — KC-135E 56-3648 “Bad Company” / 9. Fonthill Media — Bill Kirkness during the painting of his “Dumbo Delivers!” / 10. Claude Henry Parnall — Ships with “a bite”, clever camouflage on the bows of MTB’s at HMS HORNET, Gosport / 11. Manassehkatz — Memphis Belle - movie plane - at Andrews Air Force Base 2008 Joint Service Open House.
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Nose art became popular during World War I when pilots began embellishing their aircraft with hand-painted designs to boost morale and foster a sense of camaraderie among squadron members. The practice continued during World War II and subsequent conflicts, with nose art becoming more elaborate and widespread, especially among American, British, and other Allied air forces. This art served multiple purposes beyond mere decoration. It provided a means for crews to express their individuality, commemorate their experiences, and create a sense of identity and belonging within their units. Nose art also served as a form of psychological warfare, intimidating enemies and boosting the morale of allied troops.
While nose art was officially discouraged or banned by some military authorities, it flourished nonetheless, with many crews continuing to adorn their aircraft with colourful and imaginative designs. The practice of nose art extended beyond just military aircraft during World War II. It also appeared on other vehicles, such as tanks, trucks, and jeeps, as well as on naval vessels, including ships and submarines. Just like on aircraft, nose art on these vehicles often featured colourful and imaginative designs, reflecting the personalities and interests of the crews.
The famous pin-up girl “Memphis Belle” became one of the most iconic examples. The B-17 Flying Fortress, piloted by Captain Robert K. Morgan, was decorated with a painting of a pin-up girl based on a drawing by artist George Petty. This nose art not only boosted the morale of the crew but also became a symbol of the plane's impressive service record, completing 25 combat missions without losing a crew member. The “Memphis Belle” and its artwork were so famous that they inspired a 1990 film and continue to be celebrated in aviation history.
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→ Sourced from: SYSTEM 03 (Specteore)
→ Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository
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→ Search log: Google images / Memphis Belle (Wikipedia) / San Diego Air and Space Museum’s Library and Archives
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