This latest volume of Pacific Profiles features an aircraft one doesn't normally associate with the Pacific war, the B-26 Marauder. However, there was one group, the 22nd Bomb Group that operated the type from the early days of the war until early in 1944. Pilots generally liked the B-26. It was fast, could carry a larger bomb load than the Mitchell, and could fly farther than the B-25.

The Marauder was one of those aircraft that was available for service and so it saw considerable operations flying out of both Guadalcanal and New Guinea. Though initially slated to be a torpedo bomber in the Pacific, its dismal use at Midway and the final realization that the type was not suited for the mission soon put all thoughts of torpedo operations to rest.

Though the USAAF stopped Marauder operations in 1944, a choice made so that all medium bomb groups could concentrate on one type, the USN operated their version, the JM-1 and JM-2 in a variety of utility missions. This included high speed transport, target tug and pretty much anything else that utility squadrons of the day performed. The aircraft were not designed for combat so had no defensive weapons and were painted yellow to make them easy to see.

The book follows a standard format with each of the various units covered in greater or lesser detail, depending on how long they operated the aircraft. Each section shows the squadron's common markings and colors along with a number of great photos and profiles based on photos. Each full color profile provides information on that particular aircraft. This is where much of the information is derived. No lengthy pilot stories or background history on this as it concentrates on the aircraft and units involved in the conflict. In addition to photos and profiles, you are provided an introductory section on the theater of operations as well as some nice art work, the latter spread throughout the book.

It all makes for a superb reference book for the modeler and enthusiast and well worth the price of admission. I very much like this series and look forward to each new volume. Most highly recommended.

August 2024

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