DESCRIPTION

Marauder Mk.III - WWII RAF/SAAF Bomber

Unpainted kit set

The American factory in Middle River, which built B-26 Marauders, produced 200 bombers for British military aviation that were delivered to the RAF and SAAF. These aircraft, designated Marauder Mk.III with serial numbers HD402 through HD601, were based on the B-26F Marauder model. The B-26F featured significant wing modifications compared to earlier versions, along with a new ventilation mast for fuel tank air access and redesigned nose glazing.

The Marauder Mk.III had only minor differences from the B-26F. All Mk.IIIs featured spoked nose wheel landing gear, whereas B-26Fs typically used solid wheel discs. The tail gun position was also modified—the plexiglass covering near the machine guns was replaced with canvas. Some sources indicate that Marauder Mk.IIIs were equipped with British-designed bomb sights.

These aircraft served in the RAF’s 14th and 39th squadrons as well as in the South African Air Force’s 12th, 21st, 24th, 25th, and 30th squadrons. As part of the SAAF, they provided support during the Allied landing in Italy.