The Zodiac Squadron, and it's incredible nose art by Phil Brinkman

color images and story found on http://outsidethecubicle.tumblr.com/post/54295778417/birdspotter-the-artist-who-made-these-series-of#notes
Black and whites from http://www.philbrinkman.com/phil-brinkman-nose-art-paintings.htm

The 834th was known as the Zodiac Squadron for the 12 B-24’s which had the signs of the zodiac painted on their noses. The original artwork was done by CPL Phil Brinkman. None of the Zodiacs were lost during the 49 missions the 486th flew before transitioning to the Fortresses.

The artist who made these series of nose art paintings got pretty well known for it. This is one of the rare occasions where the name of the artists is still remembered. Phil Brinkman was a professional illustrator at the time.

color film of a B17 getting a bit of cleaning in Africa during WW2

found on http://outsidethecubicle.tumblr.com

WW2 in Finland, newly released photos from the Finnish Defense Forces

repairing tram lines

a barge recovering a locomotive engine

propeller driven snow machine


The images record the war years from 1939 to 1945, spanning three conflicts the Finns recognize as the Winter War (against an invading Soviet Union), the Continuation War (striking against the Soviets alongside the Germans) and the Lapland War (against the Germans for control of Lapland). After spending hours poring through this fascinating archive, I've gathered this collection, just a glimpse of what was made available. A couple of notes on the images -- the swastika was used as the official national marking of the Finnish Defence Forces between 1918 and 1945

Found on http://pixtale.net/2013/05/finland-in-world-war-ii/