zoom_in
Source:
fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-20-BO: 42-31432 to 42-31631
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 401st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: LL-L
MACR: 2898
Missions: 11
History of
B-17 42-31578 / My Darling Also
Delivered Cheyenne 25/11/43; Gr Island 5/12/43; Romulus 15/12/43; Presque Is 17/12/43; Assigned 401BS/91BG [LL-L] Bassingbourn 29/12/43; Missing in Action 11m Berlin 6/3/44 with Bob Tibbetts, Co-pilot: Alex Ellerman, Navigator: Leo Sharum, Bombardier: Rich Wertheim, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jim Brady, Radio Operator: Bob Kidder, Ball turret gunner: Harry Rhode, Waist gunner: Syd Barrett (8 Killed in Action); Waist gunner: Dana Morse,Tail gunner: Walt Davis (2 Prisoner of War); another B-17 was hit mid air coll with FW190, the wreckage falling on ‘578 and all three crashed near Letzlingen, seven SE of Javenitz, six miles E of, Gardelegen, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 2898. MY DARLING ALSO.
Last updated: 21. March 2020
B-17 42-31578 / My Darling Also Details
Eyewitness Statement from MACR 2898
Aircraft B-17G 42-31578, was hit by two Fw-190’s from the tail, setting number three (3) engine on fire. This aircraft was seen to get two single-engine fighters on the way down and another twin-eingine enemy fighter prior to leaving the formation. An FW-190, eviden tly with pilot dead, hit this aircraft, exploded and set on fire subjected aircraft (578) which in turn set another FW-190 on fire and all three (3) aircraft started down together. Four (4) parachutes were seen to come from (578) as it slid away still apparently under control but observed to be burning. Action took place at or about 1240 to 1250 in the vicinity of 52:28 N – 11:20 E.
B-17 42-31578 / My Darling Also Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Bob Tibbetts Jr. | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Alexander Ellerman III | KIA | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Leo T. Sharum Jr. | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Richard A. Wertheim | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | James W. Brady | KIA | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Robert E. Kidder | KIA | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Harold J. Rohde | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Dana E. Morse | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Sidney A. Barratt Jr | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Walter J. Davis | POW | - |
20. July 2020 access_time 3:28
1LT Bob Tibbetts is my uncle (my mother’s older brother). “My Darling Also” went down one year and one day before my birth. Anyone tuning into this history? I am very interested as I honor his memory as a part of “The Greatest Generation”.
01. January 2021 access_time 15:56
S/SGT Sidney A Barratt Jnr was my grandfather. My late mother was born in August 1944. Sad to know that he never got to see her.
14. November 2021 access_time 1:04
Bob: My wife (Peg) was a Barratt. Her Gr. Grandfather was Theophilus Barratt who was Sidney Barratt, Sr.’s father and Sidney Barratt, Jrs. Grandfather. Peg’s Dad was Sid Jr.’s first cousin. Peg remembers Sids’ mother, Marie, very well by never met Sid Sr. before he died. Marie is buried with Theophilus and his wife and 3 daughters in Kensico Cemetery, New York. I’m just finding out about Sid Jr. and starting to do some research. I’m a retired Army Colonel (Medical Corps) and military history buff. Do you know where S/SGT Sidney A. Barratt, Jr. is buried? Please feel free to email me. Thank you.
14. November 2021 access_time 16:27
Hello John, how fantastic that you found the message I posted on this site. I hope you and your family are all well. I was very excited to read your email and the information on how your wife Peg is related to my grandfather Sidney (and myself I suppose). I did meet Henry and Marge Barratt in the 90s when they came to visit my mother when they stayed in London but it was a brief visit. I believe they lived in Shaker Heights Ohio?.And from some records I have there was a Mable Barratt who was an aunt of my grandfather who also lived in NYC. Unfortunately don’t know much else about the family. I have a file of documents that you may well be interested in, it includes witness statements regarding the events on March 6th 1944 and thereafter. And also correspondence between the military and Mr and Mrs Barratt Snr. I would love to be able to send you a copy but am unsure how I can obtain your contact details. I live in St Albans, England with my wife Monica and my daughter Lucia who has just turned 16. Sidney Barratt Jnr was finally laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale. There is a book named Target Berlin Mission 250 6 March 1944 by Jeffrey Ethell and Dr Alfred Price which has a section on the final moments of My Darling Also and mentions Sydney Barratt Jnr and his last moments. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Best Wishes
Rob Graham
09. February 2022 access_time 23:49
Hello Uncle Rob
Sidney A. Barratt Jr is my Great Grandfather and my mum (who I think is your sister Anita) has told me a great deal about him.
He was a great hero from my perspective and so were the entire crew. I found this website as I both am interested in my family and I am learning history for my GCSE and soon A-Level.
I saw your other comment about how you have a document about him and Witness statements, if it is fine with you, could I have a copy or version of them sent to my email gabeswhatnotsofficial@gmail.com
It would be lovely to have some documents about my Great Grandfather and it would be very much appreciated
Sincerely Gabriel
19. March 2021 access_time 22:47
Leo Sharum Jr was my uncle and namesake that i never met