re: I know we have ww2 buffs here. Are these common pictures?

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B-17E "Flying Fortress"

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Nice use of the Ace of Spades.

The Brits had an issue with aircraft identification: The Spitfire bore a strong resemblance to the Luftwaffe's Bf109 (sometimes called ME109). Both fighters were workhorses who served throughout the war.

For obvious reasons, their observers and gunners had to become very adept at distinguishing between the 2, especially during the Battle of Britain.

It was also a challenge for American bomber crews who had a tendency (some Brit fighter pilots would call it a tradition ) of shooting first and asking questions later. Therefore, British fighters assigned to escort American bombers tended to fly high and slow and approach the American formations head on so their wing profile and RAF markings could be very easily seen before getting too close. Otherwise, there could be a very dangerous misunderstanding.