Quality photos of Fifth AF B-26s are rare, especially this one of Calamity Charlie taken at Reid River Field, near Townsville in 1942. This B-26 arrived in Archerfield, near Brisbane, Australia on 16th April 1942 after a Pacific crossing, and was assigned to the 408th Bombardment Squadron of the 22nd Bombardment Group.

The aircraft was serial #40-1436, and it had the fortune never to be lost to combat or operations. The name, not visible in this photo, appeared in small stencilled letters underneath the noseart. Calamity Charlie also served briefly with the 2nd Bombardment Squadron of the same Group.

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