Masters of the Air finally

[chopsaw]

Thanks for the history of the plane . I looked at a few that had " names " , but most were the smaller scale .
You can buy the decal sets to add on .
This place has a bunch , but you have to figure the scale .

B-17 Bit 'O Lace Graphics Set

This famous B17G crossed to England on 18th June 1944 shortly after D-Day and began its combat flights in the afternoon of 6th July leading the 447BG to a target in the Pas de Calais region of France. It was the first of many lead roles for the Fort -- at least 20 have so far been recorded...

callie-graphics.com

Here another that has 1:48

B-17F/G My Devotion & A Bit O' Lace 1/48 Warbird Decals

B-17F/G My Devotion & A Bit O' Lace 1/48 Warbird Decals

www.megahobby.com

 

[Smokin Okie]

" Bit of Lace " from the 447th BG site, 42-97976 . It was not an original 447th plane that was flown over when the Group deployed, which was Nov 1943. First mission was July 6th, 1944. Which was about the time all the BG's began painting the tails and wings. I've not found the reasoning for that other than it made ID easier when forming.

It was a very popular model kit, there's pics of the model all over the nets.

https://447bg.com/fortresses-of-the-447th/42-97976/

 

[Smokin Okie]

Thanks for the history of the plane . I looked at a few that had " names " , but most were the smaller scale .
You can buy the decal sets to add on .
This place has a bunch , but you have to figure the scale .

B-17 Bit 'O Lace Graphics Set

This famous B17G crossed to England on 18th June 1944 shortly after D-Day and began its combat flights in the afternoon of 6th July leading the 447BG to a target in the Pas de Calais region of France. It was the first of many lead roles for the Fort -- at least 20 have so far been recorded...

callie-graphics.com

Here another that has 1:48

B-17F/G My Devotion & A Bit O' Lace 1/48 Warbird Decals

B-17F/G My Devotion & A Bit O' Lace 1/48 Warbird Decals

www.megahobby.com

Crews did not always fly the same plane, at least they didn't during my Dad's 20 missions. He flew 5 or 6 different planes and a couple of times with different crew. They flew whatever could be mustered to get in the air.

 

[chopsaw]

Crews did not always fly the same plane,

I remember one episode of Masters of the Air they talk about being in a different plane .

 

[Smokin Okie]

Here's my Dad's missions, I count 10 different aircraft on 20 missions.

This is the date, name of pilot, A/C number, name of ship if available. I think they were all named but no record exists.

Dad trained with Frances Bonham, who was a West Point grad, and was quickly promoted to Captain and a staff job but still flew missions occasionally.


Dec 30, 1943 , Ludwigshafen , Bonham 42-31148 " Morning Star "

Jan 7, 1944, Ludwigshafen, Bonham 42-37855 " Mr Terrrific "

Jan 11 , Brunswick, Bonham 42-37855 " Mr Terrific "

Jan 29 Frankfurt, Major McRay led the mission, flying with Bonham's crew in 42-37855 " Mr Terrific " . When this happened, the Major would take the co-pilot seat and bump the co-pilot to Tail Gunner.

Jan 30 Brunswick , JG Jellisons, #42-31204 No name

Feb 3, Wilhemshaven, Bonham 42-37855 " Mr Terrific "

Feb 4 , Frankfurt, KA Johnson , #42-31206 " Journey's End " , ( flew
with regular crew members Parry, Shroeder, Schleis )

Feb 20 Tutow, James Anderson is now the pilot , was the co-pilot but moved over after Bonham promoted. #42-31155 No Name

Feb 21, Diepholz, Anderson #42-31155 No Name

Feb 24, Rostock, Anderson #42-31155 , No Name

Feb 25, Regensberg, Maj E J McRay with Bonham leading the mission A/C #42-38097 No Name

Feb 29, Brunswick, Anderson #42-31155 No Name

Mar 3, Berlin, Anderson #42-31155 No Name

Mar 4, Berlin , Anderson #42-31155 This was the end of #42-31155, they barely made it back over the channel, Dad said they unbolted the ball turret and dropped it out to lighten the plane. Here's a report
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/5222 Waist Gunner Ed Parry was KIA , when chute failed to open

Mar 8, Berlin , Anderson # 42-97624 Devil's Mate II

Mar 9, Berlin , Anderson #42-97497 Tuxedo Tommie

Mar 18, Munich, Anderson #42-97497 Tuxedo Tommie

Mar 22, Berlin , Shields says Captain Francis Bonham , # 42-31104 , no name , entirely different crew, this was a PFF ( Pathfinder )

Mar 31, Ludwigshafen Anderson #42-37842 Miss Boo

April 8, Rheine , Anderson #42-37842 Miss Boo