Help solve a family mystery !

[seaburn]

An appeal was put on a local forum here for information about this man and vehicle. The man's great grand niece has absolutely no information about his war service record, the only family speculation was that he served in India or Africa, she doesn't know if he was Allied or Axis (I'm presuming he was Allied) - there have been some suggestions on the markings and type of vehicle but nothing definitive as yet. I am fully confident in the abilities of fellow forum members to solve this one but not sure which thread to post it in, so I'm starting here !

All insights welcome...

[phylo_roadking]

Hi! Well, the truck bit is easy - It's a 4x2 Chevrolet "longnose"! Which makes it an Allied item...and that looks distinctly like an RAF roundel on the left side mudguard.

For the census numbers and the unit flash, try http://www.ww2talk.com.

The aircraft in the background is interesting too...! Four-engined, high-winged, dorsal turret...a Liberator?

Here's some confirmation of the RAF role...

[seaburn]

Thanks 'PRK' I did suspect you might have some insight into this one !

[phylo_roadking]

And it's definitely a B24 Liberator.

Unfortunately, the RAF operated the type in North Africa AND the Far East...

But personally, I can't help thinking Middle East/North Africa when I look at the pic.

[Maxschnauzer]

It's a 1941 or 42 model just for the record. I think the first B-24 Liberators (good eyes, phylo!) were deployed to South Asia, the Med, and Africa mid to late 1942.

[seaburn]

Thanks for info guys - will relate back all !