From the Press Association: Robert Hanson, the last surviving crew member of the famed Memphis Belle B-17 bomber that flew combat missions over Europe during World War II, died Saturday Oct. 1, 2005 of congestive heart failure. He was 85. Hanson was the radio operator on the Memphis Belle, which flew 25 combat missions over Germany and France while escaping some close calls. – Nermal
By: BlueNoser352 - 6th October 2005 at 03:09
Nermal:
Thanks for the update on Mr Hansen and the Belle crew, yes as JDK reports many crew members flew at least one mission on the Belle with the 91st BG. Really sorry to not have Col Morgan still with us, one fine man and it was an honor to know him! He always welcomed any one intrested in his crew or the Eighth Air Force. Great men now passed into history. I know Col Morgan really loved Great Britain and has strong feelings for the country and its people!
All Hail the Mighty Eighth !!
BlueNoser352 !
By: JDK - 6th October 2005 at 00:21
It’ll be a crowded bar.
IIRC, a count by Freeman had something like 50 crew flew on Memphis Belle on her 25 missions. Obviously, only those who flew her on the last mission got the publicity bandwagon and got to take her home and tour the USA. I’m sure that the various other crew were big enough to see the funny side of that, but it’s always been one of those things that show life is more complicated than film, for me.
It’s sobering to remember that the ‘Belle was the THIRD aircraft chosen by Wyler to be star of the documentery. The first two aircraft were shot down before reaching 25 missions, and took one of Wyler’s camera men with them. Nor did they become famous.
Some did not grow old.
Ave atque vale.
By: Moggy C - 5th October 2005 at 16:50
Maybe he is up there now with the rest of his crew
Hope so.
Moggy
By: Chris Broad - 5th October 2005 at 16:36
Another one gone, but never to be forgotten.
Maybe he is up there now with the rest of his crew and fallen comrades.
RIP Sir
By: DazDaMan - 5th October 2005 at 16:04
RIP 🙁
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October 5, 2005 at 4:01 pm