B17 Northwest African Air Force & serial No.

[Johnnie]

I have a press photo published on the 9th Oct 1943 that shows B-17s of the Northwest African Air Force crossing the German Alps for the first time to attack targets in the Munich area.

Does anybody have any idea of the date the photo could have been taken.

Could B17's reach the Munich area from North Africa.

One of the aircraft appears to have the serial 230357 on the tail (with a large square above it).

Any help would be great.

Johnnie

[shooshoobaby]

J - The Square on Tail was for the 301st BG
# 42 - 30357 was 301st BG , 350th SQ.
Lost : Mid-Air Collision Jan. 11 , 44
Photo could be from attacks on Brenner Pass 8/43 - 9/43.
Mike

[Gielle]

[quote=Johnnie;40226] Could B17's reach the Munich area from North Africa.
By fall 1943 the USAAF bombers took off from airbases located in Southern Italy, and the Southern Reich was easily within their operational range.

[Johnnie]

Thanks for the information. Its realy great.

I was just wondering if you had any further information about the crew of
42 - 30357 when she was lost. Did any of them survive.
Is it possible to get a service history for the aircraft.

Many thanks,

Johnnie

[shooshoobaby]

Johnnie:
Correction - assigned to the 353d SQ. , 301st BG 6/18/43
Pilot - Lt. Williams
7 KIA 3 Survived
MACR # 1831
Mike