B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 41-24606 / Werewolf

Assigned 358BG/303BG [VK-H] Kellog Field, Battle Creek, Michigan on 14-Sep-42; Arrived at Molesworth, UK 16-Oct-42. 23-Jan-43 despatched on mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at Lorient, France. The aircraft sustained damage from flak over the target. The pilot, 1LT George J. Oxrider ordered his crew of nine to bail out over the south coast of England after limping home with only one engine operating. He landed “Werewolf” on the grounds of a mental hospital at Dawlish. It was originally thought to be beyond repair. The VIII Service command later decided to repair the B-17 and fly it out. They changed three engines, and cleared trees, walls, and hedges to made a 2,500 foot runway. The take-off was successful and it was flown to Honington Air Depot for further major repairs. On 22 April 43, after repairs were completed, it was transferred to 91BG/401BS where it remained for two months. Salvaged 23-Jan-43 and repaired at Honington AD then transferred 401BS/91BG [LL-G] Bassingbourn 22-Apr-43; no missions 3 AAD Langford Lodge 11-Jun-43; 2 SAD Lt Staughton 14-Jun-43; CCRC Bovingdon; Salvaged NBD 18-Jun-45. WEREWOLF.