Another 97th BG question

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
Another 97 BG question.
I have previously asked about MACR 2069 on another forum, but haveing reach a result I have since revisited the question.
In the report a serial number is recorded by witnesses as being "42-038".
I had looked at this and found it could have been either of 41-24381; 42-3381 or 42-30381.
At that time it was concluded it was 41-24381. I am now thinking it must have been 42-30381 because of the "0381" recorded in the report fits , rather than "3381" or "4381".
Your thoughts and any alternative answers are welcome.

Thanks
Alex

[RSwank]

The Fortlog shows 42-30381 was transferred to the 301st BS, 97th BG right about the time of the mission.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/4372

MACR 2069 shows the serial number several times as 42-0381. I think that 42-30381 is a strong possibility. For some reason the "3" got dropped after the dash.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Rolland,
Thanks for the confirmation, in the witness reports the same "0381" is noted, perhaps they only used the four numbers or as you say a possible typo with the "3".
Thanks
Alex

[vathra]

I have listed 42-30381 to be lost on April 3. 1944.
I could not find MACR for it.
Crew Johnston, Daniels, Thorp etc.

If it is that plane, please send me MACR.

[RSwank]

MACR 3581 for the loss of 42-30381 appears to be missing on fold3. One of the men captured was Richard L Bernius:

https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-...pg=1&rid=44429

Another may have been this man, Flanagan:

https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-...95,73089,75745

MACR 2069 for "42-0381" and the loss of two men who bailed out of the plane starts here for those with fold3 access: https://www.fold3.com/image/28688694

[Alex Smart]

Hello Vathra,
Yes MACR 3581 was the 3rd April 1944 reported loss.
Crews names were: Daniels, Anthony, Hamilton, Tiller, Johnson, Thorp, Bernius, Davis, Flanagan and Reilly.
MACR 2069 was an earlier report for the 6th December 1943.
This was Mission 202 to Kalanaki A/D, Athens, Greece.
2Lt. William J. Brown, O-673038 and S/Sgt. Frederick H. Herreilers, 12141321, bailed out over the sea due to a fire on board. Herreilers was recorded as KIA, Brown eventually returned.
I have no idea if the name " Little Red Head" was worn by her in the early years or was a later addition ?
Alex

[vathra]

Thank you, guys.
Bernius and Flanagan were PoWs, I was missing their names.
I have Escape statements from other eight crewmen.