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B-25 at Jackson, MS, need help identifying notation and pic questions

Discussion in 'Allied Aviation Of WWII' started by Jennifer Plesman Jackson, Oct 2, 2018.

  1. Jennifer Plesman Jackson

    Jennifer Plesman Jackson New Member

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    581BF045-D056-4665-BA8F-09F2BCCD1A51.jpeg 8022AC5C-A375-40BC-BAF8-B631BA1E8A39.jpeg

    My father, Cornelis “Kees” Plesman served as a mechanic instructing other mechanics in Jackson Mississippi at the Royal Netherlands Military Flying School from May 1942 until Feb 1944. The flying school was closed down due to a lack of students and my father and the rest of the Dutch personnel then flew to Australia to assist the Dutch already there fighting the war in the Pacific. This is a large photo (1 of 2) and this is the inscription on the back. The second photo is similar but obviously a different class. My father is in the front row, right hand side, in the light colored uniform and black tie. Can anyone help answer these questions please.
    1. Any ideas on the dirigible?
    2. I am fairly certain this is a B-25; can anyone confirm?
    3. Who are the men in the white lab coats?
    4. What does the notation 11-43 mean? A class number?
    5. I could not find any info on C. H. LaSalle, 1st Lt. AC., what does AC mean?
    6. Does AAFTD mean Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment?
    Thank you, in advance!
    Jennifer
     
  2. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    1. Looks like a barrage balloon
    2. Yes, B-25
    3. No idea
    4. Class number
    5. AC = Air Corps
    6. yes
     
  3. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    Since they are wearing white "lab" coats and this is specifically the AAFTD from North American Aviation, I suspect they are NAA technicians and the guy in the civilian suit is the head of the NAA detachment.
     
  4. Jennifer Plesman Jackson

    Jennifer Plesman Jackson New Member

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    Thank you, Richard! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Your analysis sounds like a good deduction!
     

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