Robert Edward Biggs

Military
media-44868.png UPL 44868 Article from the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, March 26, 1943 > https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1129485/m1/1/

Object Number - UPL 44868 - Article from the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, March 26, 1943 > https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1129485/m1/1/

Shot down 6 March 1943 in B-17F 42-5378, 306BG/367BS while serving as Co-Pilot. The aircraft had developed an oil leak in no. 3 engine over the channel, but oil pressure stayed steady so pilots continued mission toward the submarine pens at Lorient, France. According to Strong, Fighters attacked as this plane was dropping back due to the earlier oil leak and the fact this Group was in the low Squadron. When engine 4 quit, bailout was ordered. Biggs delayed opening his chute. Landing in the Lorient area without shoes, he improvised. Helped, sheltered, clothed, fed and transported by French citizens and members of the Résistance, he crossed the Pyrénées mountains into Spain on 5 June 1943 and was flown from Gibraltar back to England on June 28, 1943. Evaded (EVD). His evasion is documented in his Escape & Evasion Report # 41 which may be viewed at: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5554681

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

People

A radio operator of the 306th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Not to be published.' [stamp], '246555.' [Censor no.] A printed caption was attached to the reverse of the image, however this has been removed.
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13025875
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator / Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 19082431
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-438541
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. Passed for publication 2 Feb 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Airmen Who Made First Daylight Raid On Germany. Big bombers of the United States Army Air Force made their first daylight raid on Germany recently when they dropped tons of high explosives on the Nazi naval base at Wilhelmshaven. The bombers, unescorted, met considerable fighter opposition and knocked down 22 for the loss of three bombers. Associated Press Photo S
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14073191
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Aircraft

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Liberty, Erath County, Texas, United States 13 July 1921 the son of Terrell Bryan Biggs and Sarah (Perkins) Biggs

Other

Evaded Capture (EVD)

France 6 March 1943 - 28 June 1943 Baled out of B-17 #42-5378 near Lorient and managed to evade capture.

Died

1 January 1999 Fort Worth, Texas

Born

Gordon, Texas

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

Escape & Evasion Report E&E 41
US Census 1930
Stephenville Empire-Tribune, March 26, 1943 > https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1129485/m1/1/
306th BG website

SSDI (Social Security Death Index)

Date
Contributordecwriter
Changes
Sources

NARA file verified AM w/2 oak leaf clusters.

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

Escape & Evasion report E&E 41 (NARA)

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 30-Jul-2015. Made connection to PLace, Aircraft and Mission within existing website data; Added EVD event per National Archives Records Administration (NARA) Escape and Evasion Report #41: http://media.nara.gov/nw/305270/EE-41.pdf. Edited Summary Description with A/C model letter and unit association and crew position per "Losses of the 8ht & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

306th BG Association Directory, 1 September 1999 Edition; Roll of Honor; Losses of the 8th & 9th AFs Vol. I by Bishop & Hey p. 89, First  Over Germany by Russell Strong  pp. 73-4, Combat Crews pg. 144 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia

Robert Edward Biggs: Gallery (1 items)