B-17 loss in March 1945
 

Gentlemen,
I've a problem with a B-17 loss in march 1945. Known facts are:

-Shot out of it's box and belly landed after Flak hits into the right inner wing engine

-the Flak unit was based near Limburg/Lahn, about 50 km NW of Frankfurt/Main

-the a/c was at return flight

-9 crew members were taken as POW

Possible planes are:

43-38102, 305.BG, 366. BS, lost 03/02, MACR 12852
42-97844, 95.BG, 336.BS, lost 03/09, MACR 12948
44-6897, 96.BG, 339.BS lost 03/09, MACR 12957
44-37789, 96.BG, 413.BS, lost 03/09, MACR 12958
43-19199, 385.BG, 549.BS lost 03/17 (or 03/19?), MACR 13148

I've really got no idea, tracking chards of these missions would be helpful...

Heuser

Re: B-17 loss in March 1945
 

According to Roger Freeman's The B-17 Flying Fortress Story, only 44-6897 matches up with 9 POW. 42-97844 had 10 POW; 43-38102 had 1 KIA, 8 POWs. Also, 43-19199 should be 43-39199 (1 KIA and 10 POW) and 44-37789 should be 43-37789 (1 KIA and 9 POWs).

Re: B-17 loss in March 1945
 

Thank you very much for your reply. I've two photos of the belly landed a/c, but there are no markings visible. The propably date is the 9th, and after some research I have to decide between 42-97844 and 44-6897. I've the information about 9 POW, but by the way, in various local sources the date is given as mid-february...
Is there any information about targets or locations in Freeman's book?

Best regards,

Heuser

Re: B-17 loss in March 1945
 

Heuser - 3d Air Division Target - Frankfurt.
96th BG # 46897 Crashed Frankfurt.
Lt. Russel Fechter - Pilot
Only B - 17 w/ 9 POW
Mike