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Re: B17 in the UK
Hello Alex,
For the RAF from May of 1941, these were in the AN518 to AN537 serial range and were known as Fortress Mk.I's.
The USAAF's first Fortress arrived in the UK on the 1st July 1942 when 41-9085 piloted by Lt. Johnson from the 97th Group landed at Prestwick.
During the time of transporting these first B17's to the UK, five were lost en route, however at least three crews were saved haveing landed in Greenland.IIRC.
From Fortresses of the Big Triangle First by Cliff Bishop, on page 151 through to 156, the aim was to deliver 53 B17's. the 97th had 35 assigned so a further 18 were requested. Tese all came under the code name Bolero.
in the event 49 a/c were scheduled to make the flight, but due to accidents in the US only 46 started out from the USA.
A full list of these a/c with pilots names is on page 156.
All for now
Alex
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