AF049 “The Grease Monkey Set #2”

Another very useful 4 x man set comprising three sitting mechanics in more relaxed poses perhaps awaiting the return of their aircraft from a dangerous mission somewhere over occupied Europe.
      The fourth member of the set is on his feet and looking into the distance… perhaps he has heard or seen the first approach of a returning aircraft.
 

Special Uniform Note:
               All 9 ‘Grease Monkeys’ are wearing the standard U.S. Army Air Force herringbone twill, one-piece overalls with brown boots and various ‘ballcaps’ -both official and unofficial of different baseball teams depending on individual personal choice.
 
*” Comin’ In On A Wing And A Prayer”
               The expression became popular during WW2 when it was widely used to describe doing something under extremely difficult or dangerous circumstances and hoping that by sheer luck, determination and maybe divine intervention it will be successful.
               It was particularly associated with Allied airmen flying back to their bases in damaged aircraft hoping and praying that they are all going to make it in one piece!
                The phrase also inspired a very popular WW2 song of the same name written in 1943 by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh.
                One of the best versions was recorded by a black vocal group called The Four Vagabonds.  My own personal favourite version is by Ry Cooder on his 1972 album ‘Boomer’s Story’.
                Check them both out.