Last Marauder
ICM 48329

In April 1945, as the Second World War in Europe was drawing to a close, a historic moment took place at the Martin factory in Middle River. The final B-26G bomber of the legendary Marauder series (serial number 44-68254) rolled off the production line. Symbolically, the aircraft was named ‘Tail End Charlie’ – a pilot slang term referring to ‘the last in the formation’.

The aircraft made its maiden flight on 18 April 1945 and became a symbolic link between the beginning and the end of the Marauder production story. It was flown by test pilot Pat Tibbs, while the co-pilot’s seat was occupied by Ken Abel — the company’s chief designer, who had also taken part in the first flight of the original production B-26 five years earlier. As a result, Abel became one of the very few pilots to have flown both the first and the final aircraft of a series that ultimately totalled 5,266 machines.

The last Marauder never saw combat service. On 10 May 1945, just two days after Germany’s surrender, the aircraft was officially transferred to the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air). Since active hostilities in Europe had already ended, the aircraft was assigned to the CEAM Test Centre at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.

Serving with the French Air Force, ‘Tail End Charlie’ was used for nearly four years for technical evaluation flights and transport duties. According to archival records, the service life of the final B-26 Marauder came to an end in April 1949, when the aircraft was officially written off.