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Archives at The Museum of Flight


Dean Mesnard World War II Navigator Chart

 Collection — oversize: folder
Identifier: 2004-05-24

Contents of the Collection

The collection contains a single navigational chart printed October 1944 and used by the United States Army Air Forces, 505th Bombardment Group during World War II. The top of the chart is printed as "AAF Special Plotting Chart, Chart No. S-501, Restricted." There are plotting notations done in pencil with various markings, presumably to aid the navigator. On the front of the chart is also a note that reads "Mission #22, Osaka, Japan, June 1, 1945, Crew 83-10, 505th Bomb Group." The front of the map shows the southern coast of the Japanese home islands. The reverse side of the chart features the Mariana Islands and depicts the southern coast of the Japanese home islands. Also on the reverse is a handwritten note, done in pen, that reads "For R. W. Johnson, Dean Mesnard."

Dates

  • Creation: 1944

Creator

Language of Materials

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information contact us.

Conditions Governing Use

The Museum of Flight (TMOF) Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the archives and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from TMOF archives before any publication use. TMOF does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Biographical Note: Dean Mesnard

Dean Mesnard was a lieutenant with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. It is likely he served as a navigator on a Boeing B-29 Superfortress with the 505th Bombardment Group. No further information is known.

Source:

Biography derived from collection materials.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (1 oversize folder)

Physical Location

This item will be on exhibit in the World War II section of the Personal Courage Wing Gallery as of May 2020.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated by Robert W. Johnson. The connection between Johnson and Mesnard is not known.

Existence and Location of Copies

Materials from this collection have been digitized and are available at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections.

Separated Materials

The following materials have been separated from the archival component and are kept in Objects storage:

  • Navigational computers (two)
  • Sextant
  • 50 caliber ammon box
  • Hat, Army
  • Military pin


Additional, a Navigator's Handbook has been removed and is kept in the Library.

Title
Guide to the Dean Mesnard World War II Navigator Chart
Status
Completed Level 2
Author
J. Parent
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English
Edition statement
1st edition

Repository Details

Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository

Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874


The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org