Production-block:
B-17G-10-BO: 42-31232 to 42-31331
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 303rd Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 427th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: GN-W
MACR: 4463
Missions: 31
History of
B-17 42-31241 / City of Wanette aka Spirit of Wanette
Delivered Cheyenne 7/10/43; Grand Island 21/10/43; Wilmington 29/10/43; Assigned 427BS/303BG [GN-W] Molesworth 18/11/43 SPIRIT OF WANNETTE; Missing in Action (31m) Berlin 29/4/44 with Howard Bohle, Navigator: John Brown, Bombardier: Joe Nevills, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Larry Rice (4POW- who all landed on Falster Is, Den); Radio Operator: Henry Jensen, Ball turret gunner: John Derschan, Waist gunner: Frank Gorgon, Waist gunner: Paul Malheara,Tail gunner: Mike Musashe (5 Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Bob Kerr (evaded capture); flak KOd #2 and #4, crashed bailed only to drown in Baltic Sea, ship crashed Oedegard, three miles NE of Sakskobing, Den; Missing Air Crew Report 4463. CITY OF WANNETTE.
Last updated: 22. February 2019
02. March 2024 access_time 16:35
My dad Sgt. Gerald Lewis Jones was a mechanic who worked on this plane. I have several photos of him with his crew sitting under the plane. This source is very moving to me, how it tells about the flight crew that was downed. Dad used to talk about the long wait for the planes to return and how they would listen as they approached. They would listen for the engines and could tell if the plane had been hit. He knew so many men who did not return. He enlisted in June 1941 and was stationed in England and North Africa (Casablanca). Dad was from Washington State. Born July 22,1922. He married my mom in England in Dec. 1944.
02. March 2024 access_time 16:36
My dad Sgt. Gerald Lewis Jones was a mechanic who worked on this plane. I have several photos of him with his crew sitting under the plane. This source is very moving to me, how it tells about the flight crew that was downed. Dad used to talk about the long wait for the planes to return and how they would listen as they approached. They would listen for the engines and could tell if the plane had been hit. He knew so many men who did not return. He enlisted in June 1941 and was stationed in England and North Africa (Casablanca). Dad was from Washington State. Born July 22,1922. He married my mom in England in Dec. 1944.
01. December 2024 access_time 23:25
My grandfather Joeseph Nevills was the Bombardier on this plane! He bailed out and got sent to Stalagluft 3 with some of the other crew members. We have his diaries and a treasure trove of pictures. I’d like to connect with you some time and share information!