Martin 187 Baltimore B.V (French Armée de l’Air, GB I/17, Syria, 1946). The Martin 187 B.V (A-30A-MA), known outside the USA as the Baltimore 5, was an upgraded version of the American light bomber, powered by two 1,700hp (1,268kW) Wright R-2600-29 radial piston engines. This particular example formed part of the French Armée de l’Air bomber unit GB I/17. Named “Picardie”, established in Lebanon as part of the RAF British Coastal Command before becoming part of the Free French Air Force (FAFL), operational from July 1943 in North Africa, primarily in the anti-submarine role. This unit, with its 10 Baltimores, was then integrated into the re-established French Armée de l’Air from 1945 to 1948. The aeroplane had normal French national markings, although the fuselage roundel was replaced by the red Cross of Lorraine on a white disc, the proud emblem of the FAFL. There were, however, no longer Crosses of Lorraine beneath the wings. The ex-RAF serial number FW569 was retained on the rear fuselage, along with the individual code letter A in red outlined in white on the rear fuselage and repeated smaller on the sides of the nose. The camouflage scheme is believed to have been the older RAF Temperate Land style of dark green and dark earth for upper surfaces, with duck egg blue/green underneath. (Artwork by Peter Penev)