Martin B-26 Marauder #41-35253 was assigned to the 454th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group. The aircraft was given several names over the years, including "Black Magic IV" and "Mr. Shorty" at various points of time. It's Battle number (painted on the side of the fuselage) was RJ-S. This aircraft took part in the 323rd's last mission of the war to Erding Aerodrome on April 25, 1945. Prior to our acquisition, it had been in storage or a number of years, and before that was on display at The Rebel Air museum which closed some years ago. This aircraft originally flew from Earls Colne but, as Boxted was also a Marauder base, we thought it fitting to have the fuselage on display as a tribute to all the Marauder Men.

The fuselage is owned by the trustees of Marks Hall, and we have taken it on loan and will be on display within our museum site from late spring onwards.

Further information on the history of the fuselage is available on this discussion forum thread.

Below are two photographs recently taken of the fuselage.