[102nd-YU-Patak]

Hello gents! This is true story of one B-17 flying fortress, part of 483rd Bomber Group, 15th US Air Force.

On April the 16th, demaged B-17G crash landed at "Sombor" airbase in Yugoslavia.
Crew survived, and with the help of the Partizans, were soon transported back to their main airbase in Italy.
Demaged plane, no longer in flyable condition, was abandoned by US Air Force, and left to YAF (Yugoslav Aif Force).
Aircraft atracted YAF mechanics to take a look. As the plane wasn't seriously demaged, they started to repair the mashine, using parts from other wrecked B-17s.



Finally, they managed to repair it for full flying condition. In order to claim airplanes nationality, they painted red star with yellow outline over existing US markings on the fuselage. Also, small black star was painted under big letter Y on vertical stabiliser, to claim Yugoslav nationality.





But, as the plane was ready for flying, mechanics had new problem. Since the YAF had no conditions, or resources to form heavy bomber section ,we had no pilots with training and knowledge of how to fly this 4engine beast.

Then the Russians came, advancing their way towards 3rd Reich. As soon as they lay their eyes on this, fully flying heavy bomber, they requested the YAF to give them this machine. Sadly , but we couldn't say no
And so the B-17,with tail number 44-4622 took off with Russian crew, and flew towards East, to anknown destination.

Only thing ramaining for me, are those photos, and a good story to tell.

And one photo to honour this wonderfull machine



Cheers !