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SBDs of the Republic

Talyn

Talyn

SAINT
Founding Member
Nearly 6,000 came off the assembly line during WWII and most went to serve in American hands across the Navy and Marines (SBD) and Army (as the A-24 Banshee). However, the Royal New Zealand Air Force fielded a whole squadron (No. 25) of SBDs and post-war Chile, Mexico, and Morrocco would keep the plane flying into the Cold War.

However, it may surprise you that the second most prolific user of the SBD, after Uncle Sam, was the Free French Air Force and Aeronavale.

laststandonzombieisland.com

SBDs of the Republic

Some 80 years ago today. Between December 13 and 31, 1944 – Cognac (Charente). Maintenance and inspection of a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber belonging to the 4e flottille de bombardement (4e …
laststandonzombieisland.com laststandonzombieisland.com

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Overview

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The Douglas SBD Dauntless, a US Navy dive bomber, saw limited but significant action in Europe during World War II, primarily during the Allied landings in North Africa, and attacks on German shipping in Norway.

North Africa (Operation Torch):
  • The SBDs played a role in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942.

  • They were flown from the USS Ranger and other escort carriers, supporting the ground offensive.
Norway (Operation Leader):
  • In October 1943, SBDs from the USS Ranger participated in Operation Leader, attacking German shipping around Bodø, Norway.
  • This marked a significant deployment of the Dauntless in the European theater.
French Use:
  • The Free French forces also used the SBD (A-24B variant) in Europe.
  • The GC 1/18 Vendée squadron flew SBDs in support of Allied forces in southern France in 1944 after flying from North Africa.
  • They participated in attacks on German-occupied cities on the French Atlantic coast.
Post-War Indochina:
  • Interestingly, the French Navy was the last to use the Dauntless in combat, employing it during the Indochina War.
  • They flew SBDs from the carrier Arromanches (formerly HMS Colossus), conducting bombing missions.

    In Summary:
  • The SBD Dauntless, while primarily a Pacific warfighter, had a limited but significant presence in the European theater.
  • Its role in North Africa and the attack on German shipping in Norway highlights its versatility and effectiveness.
  • The French use of the SBD in Europe and Indochina further extends its legacy beyond the Pacific war.

simpleflying.com

Douglas SBD Dauntless: The Most Effective US Dive Bomber Of WW2

The "Slow But Deadly" Dauntless wasn't just the most effective US dive-bomber of WW2. It was an outright game-changer
simpleflying.com simpleflying.com

www.si.edu

Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless | Smithsonian Institution

www.si.edu www.si.edu
 
I helped restore this old bird as part of my practicum project for a semester while getting my airframe and powerplant degrees while in A&P school. It was 13 or 14 years ago when I helped on the restoration project. She's on display aboard the USS Lexington, anchored in Corpus Christi Bay, Corpus Christi TX. I'm pretty proud of being part of that project.
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