By Steve Mackenzie

In previous issues we have had a look at the use of the Stinson Model 74, later designated initially as the O-49 Observation aircraft, and later used as large numbers as the Stinson L-1 Vigilant for use as liason and ambulance airframes with the RAAF and RAF (see issues 34-3, 35-1 and 35-2). While I have only seen a very few images of their use with the 5th and 13th Air Forces and one of an Ambulance airframe in Germany in 1945, there is ample evidence for their use with the 10th Air Force in Burma. .

Stinsons in Burma appeared in either the factory scheme of Olive Drab over Neutral Grey, with Yellow serials or in overall Aluminium doped surfaces (these were mostly fabric covered airframes) and Black serials. Standard Insignia Blue/White national insignia (star and bar style) were carried in four positions. Another noticable point is that they all appear to have the shrouds around the under carraige struts removed, no doubt to poor operating conditions.

L-1 #41-19060. 10th AF unit unknown. Olive Drab over Neutral Grey, with Yellow serials. Standard Insignia Blue/White national insignia in four positions. Nose Art 'Sick Call' appears to be Black text on a White area, and is likely on both sides.

L-1A #41-19011 #53 of the 5th Liaison Squadron, piloted by Staff Sergeant Wells N. Latta, was carrying three wounded infantrymen when it lost power on landing approach at Myitkyina, Burma, January 10, 1945. In this case we have one of the overall Aluminium doped airframes. Number #53 on the tail is not the same colour as the Black serial, my interpretion is that it is likely Red. Also note that it has a small Olive Drab anti-glare area ahead of the windscreen. At first I thought that the structure hanging down under the fuselage was the remainder of floats, but it has a tail wheel which the floatplanes did not, so I assume it is the remains of the Starboard wing.

L-1 #41-19011. 5th Liaison Squadron 10th AF. overall Aluminium doped surfaces and Black serials. Standard Insignia Blue/White national insignia in four positions. Number #53 on the tail appears to be Red. Small Olive Drab anti-glare area ahead of the windscreen.

L-1 #41-18912 'Burma Belle' on floats. The first amphibious Stinson L-1 to be used in theater. The plane, seen here at Tingkwak, Burma was used to evacuate sick and wounded.

This airframe #41-18912 is the main focus of this article. Unfortunately it is not known which unit it was attached to (but I suspect one of the Liason Sqns), however it certainly got around, being similar to a chameleon as it is known to have been operated in different colour schemes, on both wheels and floats at different times and with variations on the 'Burma Belle' artwork at different times. There are a lot of images of this one.

L-1 #41-18912. When it first arrived (per the above photo) it was in overall Aluminium doped surfaces and floats (Silver) with Black serials. Standard Insignia Blue/White national insignia in four positions. No additional markings at this stage.

As I noted at one stage #41-18912 was opertaed on wheels, at this time it is known to have had the name 'Burma Belle' added on the nose.

L-1 #41-18912. Now it is still in overall Aluminium doped surfaces with Black serials, but wheeled under carraige fitted. Standard Insignia Blue/White national insignia in four positions. Name 'Burma Belle' on the nose panel in Black, likely both sides.

41-18912 a.jpg

41-18912 d.jpg

41-18912 g.jpg

Attached above are three extra photos of 41-118912 in it's original configuration of Aluminium doped , on floats and with no nose art.

Hit next to go to the 2nd page on Burma Stinson schemes.