Source:
www.385thbga.com
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17F-85-BO: 42-30032 to 42-30131 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 385th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 549th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | XA-J |
| MACR | 4403 |
| Fate: |
, Failed to return (30 November 1943) |
History of
B-17 42-30096 / Liberty Belle
Delivered Denver 9/4/43; Gore 10/4/43; Denver 29/4/43; Glasgow 3/5/43; Kearney 29/5/43; Dow Fd 15/6/43; Assigned 549BS/385BG [XA-J] Gt Ashfield 26/6/43; Missing in Action Solingen 30/11/43 with Capt Bob Smith (WIA), Co-pilot: Paul Lindsay, replacement Co-pilot: Jim McKee (KIA), Navigator: Nathan Ungar (KIA), Bombardier: Chas Stevens (KIA), Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Sam Litt (KIA); Radio Operator: Edwin Randig, Ball turret gunner: Troy Roberts, Waist gunner: Henry Lohff, Waist gunner: George Lilburn,Tail gunner: Lou Lonsway (RTD), small fire aboard caused by flare igniting followed by explosion, crashed Penlan Hall, Wakes Colne, near Colchester, Ex, UK, close to Wormingford a/fd; Missing Air Crew Report 4403. LIBERTY BELLE.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
This page was last updated on 18 September 2017
21. April 2025 access_time 0:45
I met with Pilot of Liberty Belle, Robert Smith in 1992. I was instrumental in reuniting Bob with some of the British Land Army girls who went to Bob’s aid when he came down in a Wakes Colne field badly injured. November 30, 1943. It’s an amazing story.