B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-30029 / “Chap’s” Flying Circus

History of
B-17 42-30029 / “Chap’s” Flying Circus

Delivered Cheyenne 1/4/43; Pueblo 8/4/43; Smoky Hill 11/5/43; Dow Fd 21/5/43; Assigned: 535BS/381BG [MS-P] Ridgewell 29/5/43 Pilot: Frank Chapman, Dick Robinson, Bill Hodge, Wilson Cupp, Otha Frost, Edwin Myers, Ed Pope, John Wardell, Bill Richardson, Bob Gugenheim; MIA {28m} Oschersleben 30/1/44 w/Carl Baer{body washed up 4/2/44}, Co-Pilot: Bob Remple, Navigator: Malcolm Van Hise, Bombardier: Henry Palas, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Bob Vogelbaugh, Radio Operator: Joe Moore, Ball Turret Gunner: Phil Phillipuk, Waist Gunner: John Tully, Waist Gunner: Jim Rigat, Tail Gunner: Ed Meyers (10KIA); Enemy aircraft, ditched North Sea off Gt Yarmouth, MACR 2495. CHAP’S FLYING CIRCUS.

Last updated: 14. November 2020

B-17 42-30029 / “Chap’s” Flying Circus Details

Last original aircraft lost.

Eyewitness Statements to the loss of B-17 #42-30029 / “Chap’s” Flying Circus

I was the pilot on B-17G A/C 42-40025 on the mission to Brunswick, Germany on 30 January 1944. While crossing the coast just after the flak was directed at our wing, I heard Lt. Baer call Goonchild leader for fighter support as he was dropping back in formation. Goonchild did not receive him so he called Dullface leader, Lt. Ridley. Ridley answered him and Baer again told him that he was dropping back in formation and would like fighter support. Ridley then called Goonchild leader and told him the story and called Baer again to tell him he contacted the leader. Bear did not answer this call or it may be that I could no received him then. That was all I heard over the VHF. My enlisted men saw him losing altitude and dropping back.

2Lt. Henry Putek

I was Pilot on B-17G A/C No. 42-39906 on the mission to Brunswick, Germany on 30 January 1944. Upon reaching the Dutch Coast on the return route, I received a call over VHF channell “A” from Lt. Baer, who was flying B-17F A/C No. 42-30029. He said that he was very low on gasoline, having only about 109 gallons, ans was falling back out of formation. At the time he said he was about 3 miles behind the formation and I understood him to say that he had four engines running. This was about 1330. At about 1335 he called again, requesting fighter support and I relayed his call to the Wing Leader, who said he would try and get fighters back to cover him. The last contact I had with Lt. Baer was at about 1340 or 1345 and at that time he reported to be throwing his guns, etc, out, and he would be lucky if he made the English coast.

1Lt. Bill B. Ridley

I was Pilot on B-17G A/C No. 42-31357 on the mission to Brunswick, Germany on 30 January 1944. Approximately five (5) minutes before crossing the enemy coast of Holland, Lt. Baer started to lag in formation. Shortly after crossing the enemy coast another B-17 pulled up into Lt. Baer’s former position. We saw no more of Lt. Baer.

1Lt. Harold F. Henslin

B-17 42-30029 / “Chap’s” Flying Circus Crew