The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

World War II Bomber Jacket Art

Bomber crews during World War II not only decorated the nose of their aircraft ("nose art"), they also decorated their jackets.  The Jalopy Journal posted a series of photos from late in the war documenting the jacket designs.  As with some nose art, pretty girls feature prominently.  Bear in mind that bomber crews were males mostly between the ages of 18 and 23, a long way from home, and risking their lives every mission.  By today's standards, only one of the images is even the slightest bit risque, but no more than a PG rating.  My personal favorite is this one.  The design is a copy of a well known pin-up from one of the major artists whose name escapes me, but the name is the key.  What better name for a plane that has to fly through enemy anti-aircraft and fighters than "Mister Completely?"

No comments: