ID of B-17

[Morten Jessen]

Hej everybody,

I am trying to identify the unit of this B-17F (probably over the English Channel), but do not have much insight into (or literature on) B-17 units based in England. In addition the code seems not to follow the [later?] standards of the Eighth Air Force shown here: http://web.archive.org/web/200307151....com/tails.asp

Are there anyone out there, who can "read" anything out of this photo, and possibly have any additional information about the aircraft?

Any input is appreciated.

All the best
Morten

PS: The photo is from NARA II ... in case that helps.

[Broncazonk]

This website says the aircraft went to, "RFC Walnut Ridge Dec 12, 1945." http://warbird-central.com/2011/08/42-6092-b-17f-45-ve/

This website says the aircraft was possibly destroyed (certainly damaged) at DYERSBURG AAF, TN on 19 February, 1944. http://www.accident-report.com/world...dyersburg.html

According to Roger Freeman and David Osborne' The Flying Fortress Story: Long Beach 20/7/43, Cheyenne 22/7/43, Dyersburg 1/9/44, BU Patterson 3/8/44, BU McDill 29/10/44, BU Drew 18/5/45, RFC Walnut Ridge 18/12/45.

So, this was a training aircraft. The "DY" on the tail stands for DYERSBURG AAF. The aircraft did not leave the United States during the war. (It may have been destroyed in February, 1944; it was certainly damaged on that day.) If not destroyed, it was sold for scrap by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) at Walnut Ridge on December 12 or 18, 1945.

Bronc

[Alex Smart]

Aircraft markings "DY" are for an aircraft within the ZOI. ( Zone of the Interior).
42-6092
Delivered Long Beach 20/7/43 ; Cheyenne 22/7/43 ; Dyersburg 1/9/43 ; 4100 BU Patterson 3/8/44 ; 326 BU (Base Unit)McDill 29/10/44 ; 327 BU Drew 18/5/45 ; RFC Walnut Ridge 18/12/45.
Ref: "The B17 Flying Fortress Story" by Roger A. Freeman.

Bronc your faster than me

[Morten Jessen]

Hej Bronc and Alex,

Thank you very much for your input - very valuable as it is now irrelevant for the soon-to-be published eArticle about the German fighter ace Kurt Goltzsch, written by Leo Etgen, Andrew Arthy and I.

I am looking for a photo of B-17s relating to a raid on 6 September 1942, when Goltzsch shot down the first Eighth Air Force B-17 to be lost to the Luftwaffe. It was a raid by 54 B-17s of the 92nd and 97th BG against the Avions-Potez aircraft factory at Meaulte, 30 km east-north-east of Amiens. If you have any input for to look for a photo or two, that would be absolutely great

Thanks for the clarification regarding 42-6092!

All the best
Morten

[Alex Smart]

92nd BG losses:
41-9026 "Baby Doll" - 327th BS credited to Obfw Roth at 1906hrs. 4 miles NW of Le-Treport - 9KIA, only one of whome was recovered from the sea.
97th BG Losses:
41-24445 - 340th BS credited to Hptmn Meyer near Amiens at 1858hrs - 10 pow.
ref: "Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces" vol 1. page 30.

Goltzsch claim was for a Short Stirling at 18.50 hrs Raum Albert.
ref: the Tony Woods files.
Do not know if it was same a/c but a 7 squadron a/c, W7629 "MG-Z" was lost on Ops all seven crew killed.
ref:BCL vol3