ARMAMENT AND AMMUNITION

Prior to commencement of Marauder operations, but after the work-up period, the 4 x .50 caliber M-2 forward firing package guns were removed from the aircraft, the theory being that they would not be needed in the planned medium-level formation missions. At the same time, the flexible .50 caliber M-2 in the nose of each aircraft was also removed. Its need was questioned, and also it had proved to be something of a nuisance to bombardiers on other squadrons, as well as often causing cracking of the nose plexiglass on these units when fired.

These modifications left 39 with the following; 50 caliber M-2 on ball and socket mount replaced in the nose compartment - 270 rounds, fed to gun from two boxes (one primary, one spare). The reason for the replacement in only two of the Squadron's aircraft is not known. 2 x .50 caliber M-2's in mid-upper (dorsal) turret -190 rounds per gun, fed to the guns from boxes at lower forward part of turret by automatic electric booster motors.

2 x .50 caliber M-2's, one in each waist gun position -240 rounds per gunned through flexible tracks from boxes above each gun.

2 x .50 caliber M-2's in tail turret - 800 rounds per gun fed to the guns through tracks from boxes, one on each side of the fuselage aft of bomb bay, by automatic electric booster motors,

Total: 6 guns - Total rounds carried, all aircraft - 2460.

NOTE: Two aircraft (HD 610 "K" and HD 611 "A") later had the flexible 1 x

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