B-26 Marauder “Cindy”
Tribute to Drane Field & 320th Bombardment Group

The International Airport near my house is Lakeland Linder (LAL). It is home to Amazon Air Cargo, the NOAA WP-3 Hurricane Hunters & Draken International along with many other aviation related businesses and the surrounding area is a growing residential zone for the nearby cities. Back in the 1940s it was known as Drane Field, a very primitive military airfield in the middle of nowhere that was home to the 320th & 344th Bombardment Groups during their training using the B-26 Marauder before being sent overseas for active duty during WW2. These were tough conditions for what would be a tough fight. The local saying during the time was “One a day in Tampa Bay”. A testament to the steep learning curve while trying to master the B-26.

Please visit the 320th BG website for tons of photos and info:
320thbg.org/photobaselife.html