ICM B-26B Marauder with USAAF Pilots and Ground Personnel

D-Day 80

The first prototype of the B-26 bomber was unveiled on 25 November 1940 and was adopted by the US Air Force in February 1941. During its maintenance, the design of the bomber was continuously modified to improve its flight and combat characteristics. The final modification, the B-26B Marauder (B-26B-55-MA), was produced until February 1944. These aircraft actively participated in US operations in Europe, initially in Britain and from the second half of 1944 also on the European mainland. The air raids inflicted significant damage on the enemy economy and demanded considerable efforts from the air defence forces. B-26B Marauder bombers also played an active role in the preparation and execution of the strategic airborne operation "Overlord" - the Allied landing in Normandy. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, bombers from the 9th US Air Force (including the B-26B Marauder) were in the air. The aircraft bombed coastal batteries, bridges, railway junctions, and other targets. The massive attacks continued for several days after the invasion, with up to four hundred Marauders involved simultaneously.