Album

Air Classics, Sep 1999 by O'Leary, Michael

A FURTHER COLLECTION OF INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL AVIATION IMAGES FROM THE EDITOR'S FILES

Before America entered the Second World War, large aircraft orders from foreign nations anxious about Hitler's increased militarism were helping pull the aviation industry out of the Great Depression. Although France placed massive orders, the country fell to the Nazi blitzkrieg before the majority could be delivered. England quickly took over the French orders while ordering even more aircraft. To show the effect of the English orders on the southern California economy, Lockheed, Douglas and North American toured some of their aircraft to local airports for the press and public to examine. Their products destined for Britain. This view, taken at Long Beach Airport during 1941, shows Lockheed Hudson AM931, Douglas Boston W8301, Lockheed Ventura AE659 and an unidentified B-25 Mitchell.