I’m loathe to post too many links as being a relative newcomer here I’m always worried that I am actually the last person to find a site.
But I do feel a special affinity for the guys of the 8th. I fly today from one of their old fields.
This site reminds me of the differences between my launching a ‘mission’ for the sheer hell of flying, and what my predecessors at the field faced daily.
Look and admire the bravery.
http://www.ixpres.com/ag1caf/B-17/fuselage.htm
Moggy
By: Wombat - 8th June 2002 at 23:27
RE: 8th AF, B17 battle damage
Moggy
I had read of the incredible ability of the B-17 to absorb damage and still get her crews home, but hadn’t seen anything like some of these photos.
No wonder the aircraft was held in such high esteem by those who flew in her.
Fantastic link, thanks for sharing it with us.
By: 4thhussar - 8th June 2002 at 23:06
RE: 8th AF, B17 battle damage
great site moggy thanks for the link . i especially like the battle damage site on the b-17. ive always liked reading about them but have yet to one up close. well put together site well done
By: Radial - 8th June 2002 at 18:17
RE: 8th AF, B17 battle damage
thanks for the link Moggy
By: dakota2 - 8th June 2002 at 16:34
RE: 8th AF, B17 battle damage
Hello Moggy C – nice to read that you also have an affinity with the 8USAF.
During WW2 I lived in the middle of the “8th AF Country” at Rushden in Northamptonshire and had many flights as an ATC 390 Sqdn member with the 305 BG at Chelveston, 92 BG Podington, 384 BG at Grafton Underwood, this was great “air experience” and I have quite a lot of info connected with the 8thUSAF in this area.
We saw many aircraft returning from missions and this was an experience I shall never forget.
I also belong to HeavyBombers.com and have made many connections with airmen that flew from these airfields and also the younger generation who ask questions about their fathers / uncles/ etc who flew from here.
There are not many of us left who had these connections and I am only too pleased to forward information on to such people otherwise it may get buried in the “dust of time” and lost forever.
dakota 2:-)
By: neilly - 27th February 2002 at 10:32
RE: 8th AF, B17 battle damage
It’s amazing how some of these aircraft made it home, with so much damage. If you get a chance, have a look at a book called Path Finders at War by Chaz Bowyer. There are some photos of some really badly Lancs & Hali’s. One picture which is truely amazing is of a Halifax with the whole of section, forward of the canopy, missing. The pilot landed the Halifax safely back in England!
Neilly
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February 27, 2002 at 10:22 am