Source:
Karl E. Van Over
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Douglas |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-35-DL: 42-106984 to 42-107233 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 447th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 710th Bomb Squadron, 711th Bomb Squadron |
| Fate: |
, Crashlanding (29 January 1945) |
History of
B-17 42-107025 / Little Chum
Delivered Tulsa 31/1/44; Grenier 5/3/44; Assigned: 711BS/447BG Rattlesden 7/3/44; 710BS; crash-landed base Pilot: Harry Jennings 29/1/45; Salvaged. 1/2/45.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
B-17 42-107025 / Little Chum Details
Leonard Harding VanOver, Ball Turret Gunner/Togglier, is front row-center (kneeling) in the photo above. This well-worn photo is a scan of only a 3-inch x 4-inch print that was carried in Leonard Harding VanOver’s wallet from when the photo was taken (c. 1943-5) until his death in 2003, while the other was preserved.
Photo: Karl E. Van Over
Leonard Harding VanOver, Ball Turret Gunner/Togglier, is 3rd from the left, back row (standing)
This page was last updated on 31 July 2019
24. July 2019 access_time 3:36
I have two crew/nose art photos of B-17G 42-107025, “Little Chum” of the 447 BG, 710/711BS, RAF Rattlesden available to add to this posting. My paternal grandfather, Leonard Harding VanOver, Ball Turret Gunner/Togglier, is among the crew pictured. Please contact me if you would like me to submit the photos for use under this link. Most respectfully, Karl E. VanOver (karl.vanover@gmail.com)
24. July 2019 access_time 10:08
Hello Karl, I sent you an email.
Please reply 🙂
Thank you,
Jing
28. June 2026 access_time 15:42
hi Karl, my father’s B-17 was named also Little Chum . my Father Arthur Shanley flew 52 missions in his B-17. w 2 purple 💜 purple hearts 1 oak leaf cluster . My pop was top turret gunner , radio operator. . also had to pilot 2 missions to the. bombing target due to death of pilot. I HAVE A PHOTO OF MY FATHER N CREW IN FRONT OF HIS PLANE ..LITTLE CHUM WHERE YOU CAN READ LITTLE CHUM. .. IF YOU WOULD LIKE I CAN SEND IT TO YOU .ITS IN MINT CONDITION. MY VIETNAM VET BROTHER HAS MY FATHERS LOG BOOK 52 MISSIONS STILL AND MEDALS. ALSO A AUTHENTIC GERMAN FLAG SS. w Gold border woven into it . my father n crew landed in Europe for repairs had few days to relax he said. n went into a town where Hitler n SS. were recently they went into a building 🏫🏢 n went into a room and there it was . along w rifles pistols luger . other artifacts pic of Hitler. my father grabbed the German Flag off the wall. my brother still has it til today. wonder what its value is today. as a young lad in the 60’s my father put the German Flag over our huge chest freezer in the garage in our house for 35yrs. the red in it has faded. . my email is shanley7210@gmail.com if you would like to contact me. thanks proud son of Arthur Shanley. of the Little Chum B-17
05. February 2026 access_time 21:21
I also have a much better copy of of the nose art photo from my father (Robert Weeks) who was a pilot on this ship. on the reverse are also noted a number of the names of the crew. would be glad to upload both sides. also have a photo of him as he was released after capture.
21. April 2026 access_time 5:04
To the son of Robert Weeks, my name is Robert DeVault son of Jack DeVault who was top turret gunner on your dad’s crew. Also survived. Please reach out to me.
devaultfarms@yahoo.com