DELECTABLE DORIS (R) (PIC 1)

NAME

SER

BLK

SERIAL #

RCL/#

V#-P

PHOTO CREDITS

DELECTABLE DORIS

44-44272

R0-1

N/A

Port (Left) Side - Color Image - Restoration/Representation of J-1 FO (42-50551) 8/389/566 (RR R+)

Contributor - Jean-Louis Delattre

Info Contributor - Kelsey McMillan
Original Pilot William C. Graff and wife, "Doris". For More INFO...

Info Contributor - Al Blue
The plane pictured was originally J-95-CF 44-44272 named JOE. Lend Leased to the UK where it was RAF: KH401. Served with 357 and 232 Squadrons and S.O.C. in India in 1946. Picked up by the Indian AF as HE771 and flew with 6 Squadron until 1968. Acquired by Dave Tallichet from IAF in 1973, put in shape and flown to England where it was restored to represent DELECTABLE DORIS. There was a ceremony of some kind as I recall, and have seen photos of Jimmy Stewart standing next to the plane while in the DELECTABLE DORIS garb. Flown to US, where I visited it during a stop at Washington National Airport, now Reagan. I don't recall it having the Doris nose art at that time. Tallichet exhibited the plane around the country, and also leased it out for the film about Joe Kennedy. Eventually he sold it to Weeks. It has been reported that the radio call 250551 (from the DELECTABLE DORIS caper) is still faintly visible on the fin.