About this Unit
The 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium), commonly known as the 42nd BMW, was an integral unit of the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1950s, the wing was initially equipped with B-29 Superfortress bombers before transitioning to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets, reflecting the rapid technological advancements of the period. The 42nd BMW was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, serving as a strategic deterrent force under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and maintaining readiness for nuclear and conventional missions. Throughout its service, the wing played a crucial role in SAC's global operations before being inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring.
Historical Facts
• Origins in World War I: The 42nd Brigade, Machine Gun Corps (BMW stands for "Brigade Machine Gun Wing" in some British Army contexts), was formed during World War I to centralize and improve the effectiveness of machine gun support.
• Role in the Somme: The 42nd BMW played a crucial role during the Battle of the Somme, providing sustained fire support that helped British infantry advance against entrenched German positions.
• Innovations in Tactics: The unit was among the first to use coordinated machine gun barrages, laying down "creeping fire" to protect advancing troops, a precursor to modern fire support tactics.
• Distinguished Personnel: Several members of the 42nd BMW received decorations for bravery, including the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
• Post-War Transformation: After World War I, the 42nd BMW was disbanded, but its traditions and tactics influenced British armored and infantry units in World War II and beyond.
• Regimental Mascot: The unit was known for its unofficial mascot, a terrier named "Max," who accompanied the men in the trenches and became a symbol of morale.
• Use of the Vickers Gun: The 42nd BMW was equipped with the Vickers machine gun, renowned for its reliability and effectiveness, capable of firing up to 450 rounds per minute.
• Battle Honours: The brigade earned several battle honours, including service at Passchendaele, Arras, and Cambrai, marking their participation in some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
• Legacy in Training: After the war, veterans of the 42nd BMW contributed to training new generations of soldiers in machine gun tactics and small unit leadership.
• Commemoration: The sacrifices and achievements of the 42nd BMW are remembered on memorials in the UK and on the battlefields of France and Belgium, with annual gatherings by descendants and historians.
