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The insignia of the 92nd Bomb Group.
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A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9089) nicknamed "Johnny Reb" of the 92nd Bomb Group, formerly of the 97th Bomb Group takes off. Image stamped on reverse: 'New York Times Photo.' [stamp], 'Air (Boeing) FLY.' [annotation] and '219847.'[Censor no.] A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse, however this has been lost. Handwritten caption on reverse: '4/9/42, marsh ground. Johnny Reb.'
Info from Roger Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", photo caption on page 14 :
"Johnny Reb, the Fortress in which 8AF sustained its first heavy bomber combat fatality on 21 August, lifts off from Bovingdon on a trainig flight, 4 September. The co-pilot has braked the main wheels which are just starting to retract. Along with the other B-17E models of the 97BG this aircraft was transferred to the Combat Crew replacement centre in late August."
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Personnel of the 92nd Bomb Group ride bicycles past B-17 Flying Fortresses: B-17F (PY-T, serial number 42-3165) and B-17F (UX-H, serial number 42-5745) nicknamed "The Fuhrer the Better", at Alconbury.
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Ground crew of the 92nd Bomb Group wait with an ambulance as a B-17 Flying Fortress (UX-D, serial number 42-5734) nicknamed "Seymour Angel" lands at Alconbury. Printed caption on reverse: 'BRITISH OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH DISTRIBUTED BY THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. BRITISH EQUIPMENT AT AMERICAN AIR-FIELD. Members of the U.S. Army Air Force stationed in Great Britain are in a good position to appreciate the British end of Lend-Lease arrangements. A visit to an American bomber station "somewhere in England" shows some of the many varieties of equipment with which Britain supplies her American Ally. No.7. British made cash tenders and ambulances wait, ready for an emergency, at the strategic corners of the field, as the B-17 Fortresses land after a mission over the Rhur. The engines of the trucks are kept running, the men stand alert at their posts read to move into instant action should a plane, damaged by enermy action, foul its landing. On the back of the crash tender is an asbestos suit. Its wearer can work in fire for several minutes - vital ones, should a plane catch fire and its crew be trapped. In the background a B-17 has landed. Already the sergeant on the telephone is watching the next plane land. No.D.15116. For other prints in this series see miniature and feature set file. USA(BRI)CCC.FIR.' Handwritten caption on reverse: '1/ British Equipment at American Airfield. 2/ Reverse lease-lend 3/ Cash tenders.'
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Ground crew of the 92nd Bomb Group load bombs onto a B-17 Flying Fortress at Bovingdon. Image stamped on reverse: 'Planet News Passed by Censor.'[stamp]. 'Return to P.I.D' [stamp].'Copyright B.L.Davis'[stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE DAILY NEWSPAPERS ON TUESDAY - 20th October 1942. AMERICAN FORTRESS BOMBERS IN BRITAIN PREPARE FOR NEXT MOVE. These pictures of American Fortress bombers were taken at the operational station of the United States Army Air Forces operating in Britain. The bombers have carried out many successful raids on enemy territory, but have so far operated by daylight only. They are now busy at their base somewhere in England, getting ready for their next surprise attack. PHOTO SHOWS:- Men of the ground staff of the United States Army Air Force, busy at bombing-up the 'planes just before a take-off at the operational 'drome somewhere in England. AND 19th October, 1942. PN-s CENSOR NO:227604/5/6/7/8.'
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B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group fly in formation en route to Cologne. A B-17 Flying Fortress (UX-X, serial number 42-30649) nicknamed "Rose Olive" is visible on the left. First handwritten caption on reverse: '1/12/43 Cologne.' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '92BG 11/43.'
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B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group fly in formation over countryside. The aircraft, from left to right, are B-17G (NV-P, serial number 44-8354), B-17G (NV-U, serial number 42-97288) nicknamed "Flag Ship" and an unknown B-17G (NV-E) from the 325th Bomb Squadron. Image stamped on reverse: 'The R.L. Cavanagh Photo Collection' [stamp]. Handwritten caption on reverse: '48354, Little Runt. PFF.' [Caption refers to another B-17 nicknamed"Little Runt" either B-17G (NV-P, serial number 42-97515) or B-17(serial number 44-8358)]. Handwritten on reverse: 'J Diamond Collect/AF Museum'
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B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group fly in formation en route to Cologne. A B-17 Flying Fortress (JW-N, serial number 42-30580) nicknamed "Equipoise" is visible in the centre of the image. Handwritten caption on reverse: '26,500 ft Cologne 1/12/43.'
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B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group drop bombs over the target.
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B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group fly in formation during a training exercise. Aircraft are, from left to right: B-17E (serial number 41-9022) nicknamed "Alabama Exterminator", B-17E (serial number 41-9023) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle", B-17E (UX-?, serial number 41-9017) nicknamed "Heidi Ho", B-17E (UX-V, serial number 41-9013), B-17E (UX-S, serial number 41-9154) nicknamed "The Bat out of Hell", B-17E (serial number 41-9132). Printed caption on reverse: 'B-26340 AC - Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortresses" of the 8th Air Force, England on way to bomb targets in Germany. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO.' Handwritten caption on reverse: '92BG B17es used for training at Bovingdon Oct 1942.'
The 92nd Group sometime after arrivial in the UK converted to the role of in-theater combat crew indocrination and training. For this role, the Group traded its B-17F complement and obtained the B-17E, mostly from the 97th BG which was departing for Africa.
Circa May, 1943 the Group made preparations for its return to the combat bombardment role and was re-equipped with F series B-17 and modified YB-40 escort Flying Fortress. YB-40s were B-17s modified to fly as a heavily armed escort for other bombers. These conducted escort missions between May and July, 1943. The escort bombers composed the Group's 327th Bomb Squadron. It was the only Eighth Air Force squadron to fly YB-40s in combat.
Between May 1943 and February 1944, the Group, nicknamed 'Fame's Favoured Few', mainly flew missions attacking strategic targets across occupied Europe culminating in the missions of Big Week, 20-25 February 1944.
The Group's missions continued to support POINTBLANK objectives through the invasion and in flew missions in support of gound objectives. The missions transitioned to transportation and oil objectives until April, 1945.
The Group flew 308 missions using 8,633 sorties and dropped 20,829 tons of bombs. The Group lost 154 aircraft MIA.
CLAIMS TO FAME
First 8th AF Bomb Group to make a non-stop Atlantic flight to the United Kingdom
327th Bomb Squadron was the only unit equipped with the YB-40 for combat
Flew the secret Disney rocket-bomb (TV guided) experimental mission early in 1945
Acted as VIII Bomber Command's Combat Crew Replacement Center Aug-42 to May 43
Led the last 8th AF mission of the war.
- US Air Force Combat Units of World War II Description
Constituted as 92d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Trained with B-17’s and performed antisubmarine duty. Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Flew a few combat missions in Sep and Oct 1942, then trained replacement crews. Began bombardment of strategic objectives in May 1943 and engaged primarily in such operations throughout the war. Targets from May 1943 to Feb 1944 included shipyards at Kiel, ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, submarine installations at Wilhelmshaven, a tire plant at Hannover, airfields near Paris, an aircraft factory at Nantes, and a magnesium mine and reducing plant in Norway. Flight Officer John C Morgan, co-pilot, received the Medal of Honor for action aboard a B-17 during a mission over Europe, [26] Jul 1943: when the aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters, the pilot suffered a brain injury which left him in a crazed condition; for two hours Morgan flew in formation with one hand at the controls and the other holding off the struggling pilot who was attempting to fly the plane; finally another crew member was able to relieve the situation and the B-17 made a safe landing at its base. Although handicapped by weather conditions, enemy fire, and insufficient fighter protection, the group bombed aircraft factories in central Germany on 11 Jan 1944 and received a DUC for the mission. Took part in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 194.4. After that, attacked V-weapon sites in France; airfields in France, Germany, and the Low Countries; and industrial targets in France, Germany, and Belgium, making concentrated strikes on oil and transportation facilities after Oct 1944. In addition to strategic missions, performed some interdictory and support operations. Assisted the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 by hitting gun emplacements, junctions, and marshalling yards in the beachhead area. Supported ground forces at St Lo during the breakthrough in Jul 1944. Bombed gun positions and bridges to aid the airborne assault on Holland in Sep 1944. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 194-Jan 1945, by attacking bridges and marshalling yards in and near the battle area. Bombed airfields near the landing zone to cover the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Moved to France in Jun 1945 and transported troops from Marseilles to Casablanca for return to the US. Inactivated in France on 28 Feb 1946.
- Commanding officers
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Military | Brigadier General | Pilot | 482nd Bomb Group
In 1934 joined Army Air Corp in pilot training. Joined 91st BG in September 1942. On March 4, 1943, taxying accident at Bassingbourne in Boston III AL441 on return from a photographic flight with Mr. LH Cave Chinn as a passenger. Chinn was a British...
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Military | Colonel | Commanding Officer; Pilot | 306th Bomb Group The Reich Wreckers
CO of the 92nd BG from 27 March 1942 to 01 May 1943;
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Military | Lieutenant General | Pilot | 306th Bomb Group The Reich Wreckers
He was CO of the 423rd BS from 01 March 1942 to 19 February 1943. Also, was GP Operations Officer 19 February 1943 to 22 June 1943. Flew 17 missions from 09 Oct 1942 to 26 June 1943. He was wounded and returned to the US. October 1943 he became...
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Military | Major General | Commanding Officer | 91st Bomb Group The Ragged Irregulars
Commanding Officer 91BG from 1-May-43 to 23-May-43; re-assigned as Commanding Officer 92BG 23-May-43 to 27-Sep-44. WIA 26-Aug-44.
Structure
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Wing
The First Bomb Wing arrived in the UK in July 1942. The wing command became the 1st Bomb Division in August 1943, while the wing was retitled the 1st Combat Bomb Wing.
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- Previously was
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Not yet known
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Not yet known
Missions
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6 September 1942
15BS despatches 12 DB-7 A-20 Boston IIIs to attack the German airfield of Drucat at Abbeville, France; 92BG & 97BG together despatach 51 B-17s to bomb the Avion Portez aircraft factory ar Meaulte, France; 301BG despatches 13 B-17s to attack German...
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26 September 1942
97BG and 301BG together despatch 45 B-17s to bomb the German airfields of Maupertus near Cherbourg and Porjeau at Morlaix, France. 301BG is recalled because the fighter escort of p-38s from 1FG is recalled. The 97BG aborts the mission over the Bay of...
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9 October 1942
Bombers are dispatched to bomb the steel and engineering works of the Compagnie de Fives at Lille, France and the locomotive and freight car works of Ateliers d'Hellemmes at Lille which are the Primary (P) targets. Other targets are Courtrai Airfield,...
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9 October 1942
Bombers are dispatched to bomb the steel and engineering works of the Compagnie de Fives at Lille, France and the locomotive and freight car works of Ateliers d'Hellemmes at Lille which are the Primary (P) targets. Other targets are Courtrai Airfield,...
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9 October 1942
Bombers are dispatched to bomb the steel and engineering works of the Compagnie de Fives at Lille, France and the locomotive and freight car works of Ateliers d'Hellemmes at Lille which are the Primary (P) targets. Other targets are Courtrai Airfield,...
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21 October 1942
German U-Boat pens are Lorient, France are the Primary (P) targets for this mission along with the German airfield at Cherbourg, France. 93BG despatches 24-B-24s to Lorient, but cloud cover prevents them from bombing. The main attack force to Lorient...
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14 May 1943
Today's operations will be the most extensive yet mounted by VIII Bomber Command. The operations call for a "maximum effort". Whereas in the past a single target or those close together have been chosen, today's effort is against widley separated...
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15 May 1943
The missions of VIII Bomber Command are becoming more sophisticated. The primary stratgic target for today is the U-Boat pens, marshalling yards and Luftwaffe airfield at Emden, Germany. The resistance of Luftwaffe fighters is a primary concern for the...
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17 May 1943
VIII Bomber Command launches another operation against German U-Boat facilities with three elements. The first element is a formation of 100 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (24); 92BG (10); 303BG (21); 305BG (21) and 306BG (24) to attack the German U-Boat...
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19 May 1943
The German naval bases at Kiel and Flensburg, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. A force of 123 B-17s is despatched from: 91BG (19); 92BG (10); 303BG (27); 305BG (22); 306BG (24) and 351BG (21) to bomb the naval facilities at Kiel,...
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Stations
Station |
Location |
Date |
Based |
Bovingdon |
18 August 1942 – 11 January 1943 |
Based |
Alconbury |
11 January 1943 – 15 September 1943 |
Based |
Podington |
15 September 1943 – 9 July 1945 |
Connections
People
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Military | Second Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Shot down by fighters, B-17G #42-31231exploded in mid-air and crashed near Wambeln, GR on a mision to Munster and Hamm, GR on 23 Mar 194. Killed in Action (KIA).
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Military | Sergeant | Waist Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Shot down 29 May 1944 in B-17 #42-37877. Prisoner of War (POW).
POW
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Military | Major | Navigator | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
25 missions Jul '43 - Jan '44.
DFC; AM
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Military | Staff Sergeant | Bombardier; Togglier | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Upon returning from a flight check, B-17G #42-37799 landed long and ran off the end of the runway. RTD. Struck by 20mm shells, B-17G #42-31888 went out of control, exploded into to pieces and crashed E of Hamm, GR on a mission to Munster and Hamm, GR...
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Military | Staff Sergeant | Right Waist Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Killed in Action (KIA) Mid air collision and crashed at Neuhof in B-17 43-38445.
According to US trial 12-1871, killed while prisoner of war at or near Gießen-Wieseck, Germany, after surviving mid air collision of his plane.
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Military | Sergeant | Waist Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Shot down 30 April 1944 in B-17 #42-107012, Killed in Action (KIA).
PH
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Military | Staff Sergeant | Tail Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
B-17F #42-30580 'Equipoise' blew a tire and veered off runway on 5 Jan 1944. Another B-17 crashed into 30580.
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Military | Technical Sergeant | Gunner | 303rd Bomb Group
Orginally assigned with the 92BG at Bovingdon, UK as an Aerial Gunner with the rank of Sergeant. He flew his first mission (and the only one with the 92BG) on 21-Oct-42.
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Military | Technical Sergeant | Flight Engineer; Engineer; Top Turret Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
He completed 35 missions. He flew on 'Lonesome Polecat' and he was instrumental in naming the plane, this was the original Lonesome Polecat.
EAME medal w/2 bronze stars/ Air Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster
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Military | Technical Sergeant | Gunner | 92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Served from '42 to '45 as gunner. Flew 33 missions on B-17 'Johnny Walker The 2nd' pilot was Carey
Air Medal/DFC
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Aircraft
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B-17 Flying Fortress
The second F-1 Block Boeing built Fortress. First flew 30/5/42 before delivered to Cheyenne 11/6/42 The first XB-40 prototype was converted by the Vega division of Lockheed.as the Vega V-139. They converted a standard Boeing-built B-17F (serial...
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 301BG Westover 8/9/42; instead of assignment to 12AF, Italy transferred to Chelveston 16/9/42; 813BS/305BG Grafton Underwood/Chelveston 25/11/42, sent to pathfinder base RAF Wyton of installation of Oboe Mk I radar equipment; 325BS/92BG [NV-F]...
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 92BG Bangor 13/7/42; transferred 414BS/97BG Polebrook 6/42; Maison Blanche, Alg. 13/11/42; Tafaraoui, Alg. 22/11/42; Biskra, Alg. 25/12/42; on Tunis mission was rammed by Me109G 1/2/43 almost slicing rear fuselage and tail of plane off; made...
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 326BS/92BG Bangor 16/7/42; 95BG Horham /43; 359BS/303BG [BN-V] Molesworth, 17/6/43; Returned to the USA Sheppard 5/7/44; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Walnut Ridge 26/10/45. BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS.
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 92BG Bangor 14/7/42; 341BS/97BG Polebrook 8/42; Maison Blanche 13/11/42; Tafaraoui 22/11/42; Biskra 25/12/42; bombed on base by Luftwaffe 10/1/43; Salvaged.
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered MacDill 1/3/42; Assigned 341BS/97BG Polebrook 4/42; transferred 407BS/92BG Bovingdon 8/42; sustained battle damaged Lille 9/10/42; with Capt Jim Griffiths, Lt Col Stuart Porter, crash landed Gatwick, UK, (10RTD remainder unknown); Salvaged....
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Boeing B-17E
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 341BS/97BG Polebrook Mar-42; transferred 327BS/92BG Bovingdon Aug-42; Attacked by Lt. Walter Meyer 7./JG26. Lost tail and three engines. Desintegrated over Lannay near the Belgian border. Monument near Mouchin on D955 direction Planard. MACR...
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned to 340BS/97BG at Polebrook on 3/42 as PHYLLIS. Collided with 41-9051 and repaired; 92BG Bovingdon 8/42; 303BG Molesworth 1/5/43 and was painted in bright colours as a formation ship; 2SAD Lt Staughton 19/7/44; on cross country trip from...
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B-17 Flying Fortress
Boeing B-17E
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Citations
Distinguished Unit Citation 11-Jan-44 Oschersleben
Medal of Honor awarded to John C. Morgan 26-Jul-43 Hanover.