UPL 17737 UPL 17737 Factory fresh B-17 Flying Fortesses, a B-24 Liberator, and possibly a Waco CG-4A, on the flight test strip at Langford Lodge on 13th April 1944. The aircraft are being prepared for delivery to squadrons based in England.

The histories of the five aircraft with visible serials are: B-17 '2107151' was recorded at Grenier Field, New Hampshire on 7 April 1944 en route to the UK. It went to the 401st BG, (coded IW-B) acquired the name 'Cover Girl', survived the war and was returned to the USA to be disposed of at Kingman AFB.

'2102518' went to the 384th BG (coded JD-K) and was salvaged in Germany towards the end of 1945, bearing the name 'Damn Yankee'.

'2106992' went to the 401st BG,(coded SC-D) acquired the name 'Baby Lu' Her name was augmented by the Vargas artwork from the Esquire magazine centerfold, "Pistol Packin' Mama." It eventually ended up back in the USA to be scrapped.

'2107084' was also assigned to the 401st BG (coded IW-G) and nicknamed "Betty's Revenge." She was lost 7 October 1944 over Politz; the navigator, bombardier & radio operator were all KIA.

The furthest aircraft B-17G 42-97664, joined the 401st BG on 17 April 1944. Coded IY-F, she was nicknamed "Aw, Come On." She also served with the 612th Bomb Sq (re-coded SC-X) and had completed 45 missions by the war's end.

Original 4" x 5" Signal Corps Neg No ETO-HQ-44-3199 (Lot No 8542)
NARA Reference Number: 342-FH-3A05930-80009AC

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