~S~ Every One!
Thank You for the support on the discussion of the early B-17E/F models.
Yes the B-17E flew the first missions from England. The USAAF's VIII Bomber Command in England flies Mission 1. Twelve B-17E Flying Fortresses of the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire, takeoff at 1527 hours. The lead aircraft of the first flight of six is named "Butcher Shop" and is piloted by Colonel Frank A. Armstrong, the group commander; the co-pilot is Major Paul W. Tibbets, the pilot of the B-29 "Enola Gay" which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August 1945. The lead aircraft of the second group is "Yankee Doodle" and this aircraft carries Major General Ira C. Eaker, Commanding General, VIII Bomber Command. The B-17s rendezvous with four squadrons of RAF Spitfire Mk. IXs and proceed to the target, the Sotteville marshalling yard at Rouen France. A second diversion force of six B-17s took off at 1512 hours from Polebrook, Northamptonshire, headed for France but then turned around and returned to base. All 12 aircraft bomb at 1739-1746 hours; the bombing was reasonably accurate with about half the bombs falling in the general target area. The escorts kept Luftwaffe fighters at bay but one Bf 109 got within range and was claimed as damaged by a ball turret gunner. The main force returns to base shortly after 1900 hours. (Jack McKillop)
I just had to put that in because I am the Commanding Officer of the v97th Bomb Group (H). We are a new BG in AH2. We have been together for about 31/2 months now. Some of you must have seen the Group in both Mid/Late War. That is why I started this thread in hope HiTech will consider making the B-17E/F model for the Early and Mid Wars.
Thank You All for your support.
Cheyenn
CO v97th BG (H)
