Invader

Air Classics, Oct 2002 by O'Leary, Michael

GREAT BRITAIN See Part One.

GUATEMALA

In 1960, the US Military Assistance Program suggested that the Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca receive eight B-26s, which came as somewhat of a surprise. Up to that time, the FAG was operating some C-47s and five AT-11s so the B-26s would be a quantum leap. Numerous obstacles were in the way including the fact that Guatemala was having problems with Mexico over fishing rights and some US officials felt the B-26s would give the FAG the solution to settle the problem. All objections were swept aside and eight B-26s were withdrawn from DavisMonthan AFB, overhauled, and delivered in mid-1960. Interestingly, some FAG pilots had already received B-26 training in the US. A few USAF pilots went to Guatemala to instruct pilots in using the B-26s in Special Air Warfare tactics. Soon after arrival, and painted in full FAG markings, six of the planes were flown to a remote base where they were used to train Cubans belonging to Brigada 2506 in preparation for the invasion of Cuba. The supply of the B-26s to the FAG had been the brainchild of the CIA! The Cubans trained until April 1961 and FAG crews were not pleased with the return of the well-used craft. One crashed soon after and another was grounded. Six went through Project Wing Spar but the aircraft seldom flew and soon lapsed into dereliction.

HONDURAS

HONDURAS

See related article.

INDONESIA

One of the more troublesome areas of the world is Indonesia. Gaining its independence in December 1949, the former Dutch military forces transferred over 200 military aircraft to the new Angkatan Udara Republik Indonesia and this included 27 Mustangs and 41 Mitchells. In 1958, the CIA started Operation Haik in Indonesia since it felt the Sukarno regime was turning communist. At least a dozen Invaders (five apparently not utilized) were committed in support of rebel military leaders and on 21 March 1958, Sukarno ordered B25 and P-51 strikes against rebel targets. On 12 April, the first Invaders departed Clark Field in the Philippines for bases in Indonesia. The aircraft, theoretically being operated by the rebel forces, soon began attacks on government targets. On 18 May 1958, American pilot Allen Pope was shot down by anti-aircraft fire and a Mustang while attempting to attack shipping. He was captured and this caused a great deal of embarrassment to the American government and Operation Haik came to an end. The capabilities of the Invader were not lost on the government and in 1959, the government purchased six aircraft at Davis-Monthan AFB and these were overhauled at Oakland, California, and ferried to Indonesia in full military markings during mid-1960. These aircraft would have a long career and were utilized in a number of actions against rebels in various areas. Some attention was also paid to the British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah and B-26s made overflights. The British considered the situation serious and based a few Hunters and Javelins in the area to counter the threat. By 1964, Indonesian forces were attacking Borneo and the B25s and B-26s started attacking remote targets later in the year but none were ever intercepted by RAF fighters. The Invaders had an amazingly long career and the last operational flights of the three survivors was in 1976 supporting the Indonesian invasion of East Timor. In 1977, the last two flyers were retired.