Boeing XC-105, 35-277

Boeing XC-105, s/n 35-277, "GRANDPAPPY", 20th Troop Carrier Squadron, Panama
Crew:
(l to R, standing) 1st Lt. Roland S. Sawdey (navigator); Capt. Stanley J. Young (pilot); Capt. Fred L. Trickey (co-pilot)
(l to r kneeling) T/Sgt. Nelson K. Russell (engineer); M/Sgt. John A. Oshman (engineer); M/Sgt. Laird N. Rosborough (radio operator)

 

 

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The Boeing XB-15 (Boeing model # 294) was a prototype heavy bomber designed in 1934. When it entered operation it was assigned to the 2nd Bombardment Group. The first mission for the aircraft was a relief operation following the January 24th 1939 earthquake in Chile. The XB-15 was still an armed bomber until the guns were removed in late 1940, at which time it was used to ferry lend-lease aircrews back home after they delivered their aircraft. On May 6th 1943 the aircraft was converted into a transport plane and redesignated XC-105. By this time the aircraft had transferred to the 20th Troop Carrier Squadron. It continued to operate as a transporter until it was retired on December 18th 1944 and finally scrapped in June 1945.