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Maître Lydie BRIOULT

Panoramic photograph of officers and aircrew from Air Group …
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Estimate €30 - €60
Sale commission
Description
Panoramic photograph of officers and aircrew from Air Group 40, 1944 – US Navy This particularly large photograph (unframed) shows the aircrew (pilot officers and gunner seamen) of the US Navy’s Air Group 40, taken on 15 September 1944 in the United States, where the unit was reformed for further training before being redeployed to the combat zone aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Suwanee (CVE 27). Air Group 40 holds one of the records for the most sustained combat operations of any aircraft carrier throughout the war, with: • 82 days of continuous combat: During the gruelling Okinawa campaign (from late March to June 1945), the group remained at sea for 86 days, including 82 days of almost unceasing combat. Its main mission was to neutralise the surrounding Japanese airfields to prevent raids and kamikaze attacks against the American fleet. • Pilot performance: The fighter squadron pilots flew an impressive average of 75 combat sorties each during this period alone. Composition of Air Group 40 (1945): During the operations of 1945, the air group comprised around 27 aircraft organised into two main squadrons: • Fighting Squadron 40 (VF-40): equipped with 17 Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters. • Torpedo Squadron 40 (VT-40): equipped with 10 Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers Attached is a pilot’s name patch belonging to W. H. NEAL III, featuring his pilot’s licence, intended to be sewn onto the wearer’s flight suit or flight jacket. William H. “Bill” Neal III served as a fighter pilot with VF-40, but was promoted to the rank of Commander at the end of his post-war career. Neal was nevertheless awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Air Medals for his valour and bravery in combat. Dimensions: 76 x 25.5 cm (Grégory Pons Collection)
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About the sale Sale of the Grégory Pons collection and miscellaneous items (Aviation and WW2 Militaria)
Auction location
Auction time 11/14/2026 at 1:30 PM
Lot description modified on 09/17/2026 at 9:45 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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