“R.T.” AND BARBIE: (1st AIR COMMANDO GROUP)

“R.T.” AND BARBIE: (1st AIR COMMANDO GROUP)
Another remarkable color image from the collection of Brad Smith of his father Colonel Robert “R.T.” Smith, standing in front of his North American P-51A Mustang fighter. The 1st Air Commando Group “Provisional” was created to provide close air support for Major General Orde Wingate’s British “Chindit” long range penetration operations behind Japanese lines in Burma.

The firepower of the 1st Air Commando Group was provided by the Group’s North American P-51A Mustang fighters and its 75mm cannon armed North American B-25H medium bombers.

Barbie was the name of “R.T.’s” wife, a former Ford model, whom the tall and handsome Flying Tiger, Fighter “Ace” had married when he returned to the U.S. following his service with the American Volunteer Group.