[reflected]

I've been searching all over the internet for some nice accounts from B-17 pilots and crew. Some nice stories that describe how it felt to go over Germany in a Flying Fortress. Could anyone suggest me a such a site? Thanks!

[patrick james brian]

will this help you on the way?

http://pink.lady.free.fr/story.html
http://www.b17queenofthesky.com/mission.htm

[prop8debate]

It was cold flying over the Alps breathing in pure oxygen. My Dad (85) is the sole surviving crew member (navigator) of his aircraft from 15th Air Force, 483rd Bombardment Group, 840th Bomb Squadron. Look on their website for information or "google " aforementioned reference.

[Guest]

Try this one: http://www.stelzriede.com/warstory.htm
it has some nice ww2 music, as well, just what you're after, i think... :wink:

[Guest]

I read a story called 'Touching the Face of God', a semi-fictional account of a bomber crew thru their tour of duty. The author I believe was either bomber pilot or sun of a bomber pilot. Sure its semi-fictional, but the accounts of what goes on up there are great, especially during their last mission.

They got the hell beaten out of them, an engine out, losing fuel, very little of their controls surfaces left. When they landed, the ground crew reported that all their control lines had been severed by a 20mm round, possibly over Germany. They had no idea how they got their aircraft back!! Possibly one or two strands of wire held together til they got home!

Worth a read, also talks about Tuskagee airmen

[I/JG27_Waggel]

You have to read the story of JG27 pilot Franz Stigler and B17 pilot Charles Brown. Very intresting.

[reflected]

Thanks everyone, really interesting stories!

[KC Jones]

Just finished reading "Tail-End Charlies" which has personal story's of both 8th AF and RAF Bomber Command. Way superior to "The Mighty Eighth" which I stopped reading after a couple of chapters.

Some sample pages.







Not an expensive book



Can you tell by my signature block I like B-17s ?

[SOB_Hans]

Here is a link to my uncles crew and a brief story of thier last mission. My uncle was the bombadier.

http://www.486th.org/BS834/ShawJ.htm


There is also a photo of the B-17G after crash landing. My uncle told me the crew flew it's first seven missions in the B-24 Sagitarius. Then they went to the B-17G "Flak Plow" for the rest of their tour. His plane was always in the lead group so he said they rarely saw a German fighter as the Germans would not yet be up to altitude. The groups behind them would be attacked by fighters. I think he told me that in 28 missions they were hit by flak on 14 of them. The last mission the flak took out three engines. [/img]