[drgondog]

Originally Posted by Jim Oxley

Thought I would start a new thread rather than detract from the Memphis Belle thread.

I'm hoping that we can build a list of 1st's for various bombers ie names or registrations of the particular bomber that first completed it's tour eg Blenheim, Whitley, Wellington, Hampton, Boston, B-25, B-26, B-24, B-29, Lancaster, Halifax, Stirling etc.

From the Memphis Belle thread we know that the first B-17 to complete 25 missions was "Hells Angels", although the Belle was the first to complete it with crew.

Anyone know of first's for the above?

Jim - I have to research but it isn't conclusive that there wasn't a 5th AF (19BG?) or 9th/12th AF B-17 that didn't complete 25 sooner than Hell's Angels. The 19BG (i.e Shorty Wheless CMOH) was flying combat missions from December 8, 1941 and the Belle and Hell's Angels were only flying a year later.. otherwise you may have to narrow down to ETO

Regards,

Bill