RAF and bombs - but where?

Courtesy of Imperial War Museum © IWM (CL 229)



Simply captioned ' RAF and bombs'

Note the amphibious vehicles (DUKWs) and steel helmets so what is the location? (note, I do not know)

An ALG in Normandy, perhaps?

Yes I would also suggest Normandy. If not Normandy then maybe Sicily or Italy.

The chap on the extreme left appears to be wearing a life jacket and wellies, would suggest this was very near the coast???

Are those the short 500lb type for use in Fighter-Bomber Mosquitos Peter?

Is there a date on the photo Peter?

Denis;95145 wrote:

Are those the short 500lb type for use in Fighter-Bomber Mosquitos Peter?

They appear to be the earlier Marks of 500 pound MC bomb with a single (RAF) lug. Only the Tail Unit length differed for use on Fighter/Bombers which used a 'short' tail such as the No 28 Mk 1.

CornwallPhil wrote: Is there a date on the photo Peter? - No, very few images on the IWM Beta site have a date or maybe I'm missing it!

As to location near the coast, most likely, but in anticipation that river bridges had been destroyed the DUKWs could have been used to ford rivers with their bomb loads as the allied front moved forward.

Found this much further in the collection. Confirms that the location is 'Normandy'



Members of an RAF Disembarkation Unit check the arrival of 1,000-lb MC bombs as they are unloaded from DUKWs on the Normandy coast. In the foreground are Flight Lieutenant E A Bailey, and Squadron Leader J A Lawson (right) the Commanding Officer of the unit.

Courtesy of Imperial War Museum © IWM (CL 399)