Help with markings on a P38 Lightning

[Steve T]

Hi all

I need some help positively IDing some of these mission markings on a couple of P38s. The cropped pictures are from the base records that I was sent during my search for Lt Oliver Jelks, ( see this video...... World war 2 relic watch - Returned 66 yrs after being lost ! - YouTube ).

Along with every single typed report from the entire stay of the group in the UK, (2 years of records !!!!), I also received 500+ never seen before photographs that were in with the records.

I have written four sample chapters and sent them off to 3 publishers, (fingers crossed), but whilst I wait for a reply from them, I woanted help from you guys.

Attached are two pictures showing close ups of the markings on the squadron P38s. Can someone identify EXACTLY what each mission marking denotes please.

We have, (I think);

Top hat and Cane
Umbrella (Top cover for bombers ?)
A bomb (I think I can work that one out myself !)
A broom (Fighter sweep ?)
A steam engine (presume this is a 'kill' marking)
A Swastika (again, presume this is a kill marking)

Thanks

Steve T

[big ned]

You've got 'em all right, the top hat and cane is for fighter escort, broom is also known as 'combat patrol' and the loco is for a railway attack, and was known as a 'Chattanooga mission'. The odd one on the top pic next to the loco's could be for radar antenna/radio mast.

Regards,Ned.

[Steve T]

Thanks Ned. So what's the difference between 'Top Hat' and the 'Umbrella' ?

[big ned]

To be specific, 'Top Hat & Cane' = fighter escort for bombers or transport aircraft, 'Umbrella' = Top Cover for any allied aircraft and 'Broom' = Combat Patrol/Fighter Sweep for enemy ground targets. Hope this helps.

Regards, Ned.