B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

Hi All:

At a recent airfield dump-site dig in S Norfolk, a nacelle panel from B-17F 42-31031 was found.

A little bit of armchair research reveals that this was the very last B-17F model off the Boeing production line.

I am also informed that this B-17F was operated in 100 (RAF) Group, Bomber Command with 214 Sqn and 1699 Flt as SR388.

Can anyone please provide any further details on this historically significant aeroplane ?

TIA, regards,

BC

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

BC -
One of the 99 F Models that had the Lower Nose
Reinforced for a Chin Turret.
214 Sq. as SR388 BU-H
1699 Flt. as 4Z-Z
Written Off 7/26/45
Mike

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

I found the serial number on this site,

http://www.214squadron.org.uk/Personnel_W.htm

Apparently it was lettered G, while with 8th AF training unit?

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

Gentlemen, many thanks for your valued input.

Mike - was it "written off" in the UK or did it make it back to the ZOI ?

BC

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

Did any of the RAF Fortresses make it back to the ZoI? In September 1945,
No 51 MU at Lichfield had 150 of them in open storage, as well as 500 RAF Liberators, not to mention 900 Typhoons! It is a fair assumption that they were all scrapped on site.

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

BC -
Did not return to ZOI. I would go with above Post -
Mike

Re: B-17F 42-31031/SR388
 

Thanks again for your help. Pic of panel attached in case it is of interest.

BC