B-17 identification

Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:27 pm

Hello

I'm trying to find out any info about this B-17G:

As far as I know, Serbian community in the United States bought this plane in 1943 and then gave it to USAAF.
Does someone know its serial number, unit (BS/BG), combat career, fate... anything about it ???

Any kid of help is appreciated!

Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:46 pm

no luck here.
The only thing I could find...was your post.
http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.aspx?m=128746&high=american+serbian

These guys might know a bit or two...

http://www.babamim.com/draza_mihailovich__operation_halyard

Good Luck

Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:52 pm

Nothing listed under that name in B-17 Nose Art Name Directory. Of course, the question also arises that, as Peter Bowers' Fortress in the Sky so ably documents it, many B-17 were "purchased" using war bonds and the Boeing and/or AAF folks simply touched up a photo of a B-17 with the selected name and sent the photo along to the town or group to show them "their" airplane. Save paint and manpower by not actually having to paint it on the airplane. Somewhat fraudulent but all in the name of the war effort.

From the photo posted, this could be the case here also.

Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:59 am

The nose art would have had to have been modified or removed anyway when the cheek gun positions were installed. The pic was probably taken just after the plane rolled off the assembly line, or after arrival at a modification center, before final fitting-out for combat.

SN

Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:29 am

aerovin wrote:Nothing listed under that name in B-17 Nose Art Name Directory. Of course, the question also arises that, as Peter Bowers' Fortress in the Sky so ably documents it, many B-17 were "purchased" using war bonds and the Boeing and/or AAF folks simply touched up a photo of a B-17 with the selected name and sent the photo along to the town or group to show them "their" airplane. Save paint and manpower by not actually having to paint it on the airplane. Somewhat fraudulent but all in the name of the war effort.

From the photo posted, this could be the case here also.

The same seems to have happened with Hawker Hurricanes in the UK.

Pretty poor, as it was hardly going to be difficult to do the job 'properly'. It's be funny if someone asked for their money back.