42-7979 Annie M

P-47 Thunderbolts (LM-R, serial number 42-7870), (LM-X, serial number 41-6224), (LM-O, serial number 41-6347), (LM-B, serial number 41-6193), (LM-C, serial number 42-7979) and (LM-G) of the 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group fly in formation with a B-24 Liberator, 29 May 1943. Passed for publication 29 May 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'A Match For The Nazi F.W. 190 – The “Thunderbolt” – New American High-Altitude Fighter. EH/MoN. The latest American single-seater fighter, the Republic media-401222.jpg FRE 2470 P-47 Thunderbolts (LM-R, serial number 42-7870), (LM-X, serial number 41-6224), (LM-O, serial number 41-6347), (LM-B, serial number 41-6193), (LM-C, serial number 42-7979) and (LM-G) of the 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group fly in formation with a B-24 Liberator, 29 May 1943. Passed for publication 29 May 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'A Match For The Nazi F.W. 190 – The “Thunderbolt” – New American High-Altitude Fighter. EH/MoN. The latest American single-seater fighter, the Republic P-47, known as the “Thunderbolt” has been in operation from British bases for some time. The largest and heaviest single-seater fighter in the world, pilots give favourable reports of its high diving speed and effective aileron control. Designed as a high altitude fighter – around 40,000 ft. – the ‘Thunderbolt’s’ top speed rated in excess of 400 m.p.h. at altitude, is derived from a Pratt and Whitney Radial engine of 2,000 h.p. fitted with Turbo-Supercharger. The armament consists of eight ½ inch [50. Cal] calibre machine guns, these gives a total rate of fire of 6,400 rounds a minute. In a series of operations, they have shot down several of the German crack F.W. 190. Photo Shows – An aerial view of the Thunderbolt flying in eschelon[sic] formation. Fox May 43. 1, 2 and 3.' On reverse: Obscured press copyright stamp, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 2470 - P-47 Thunderbolts (LM-R, serial number 42-7870), (LM-X, serial number 41-6224), (LM-O, serial number 41-6347), (LM-B, serial number 41-6193), (LM-C,...

P-47D-2-RE 42-7979 [LM:C] "Annie M" was assigned to the 56FG/62FS at Halesworth, UK. On 26-Nov-43 the aircraft, piloted by 1LT Byron L. Morrill, was despatched with other P-47 from 56FG to provide escort to bomber formations attacking at Bremen, Germany. The aircraft was damaged by flak which punctured the fuel tanks and the aircraft began losing fuel. 1LT Morrill headed back to England but he was forced to abandon the aircraft over Huizen, Holland and was captured as a Prioner of War (POW). The aircraft is believed to have crashed into the Ijsselmeer, Holland. 1POW MACR 1275.

Connections

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Units served with

People

Lieutenant Stanley B. Morrill, of the 56th Fighter Group in the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt (serial number 42-2928) at Kings Cliffe, 11 March 1943. Passed for publication 11 Mar 1943. Printed caption removed from reverse. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'B. Morrill, lost 26/11/43. Short fuel, baled, POW in LM-I 27979. 22928. Kings Cliffe, 10/3/43. [Print Prod. No.] 252445.' On reverse: Not To Be Released Before, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 56th Fighter Group 62nd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-661232
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

IJsselmeer, Netherlands 26 November 1943 Aircraft damaged by flak, losing fuel, headed back to base but pilot forced to bale out over Huizen, Holland. Aircraft crashed into the Ijsselmeer.

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 16-Jul-2015. Added Nickname based on TN records compiled by Peter Randall, historian of littlefriends.co.uk; Made Connections to Place and Mission within existing website data; Added FTR event per MACR 1275; Added Description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & john A. Hey MBE.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 1275 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-7979: Gallery (5 items)