B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-32049 / Yankee Rebel

History of
B-17 42-32049 / Yankee Rebel

Delivered Denver 16/1/44; Cheyenne 22/1/44; Gr Island 17/2/44; Grenier 20/3/44; Assigned: 534BS/381BG [GD-D] Ridgewell 6/4/44; MIA {20+m} Mulhouse 3/8/44 Pilot: John Wilcock, Co-Pilot: Stan Hutchinson, Navigator: Chas Marsh, Bombardier: Norbert Lucas, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Alf Prinz, Radio Operator: Bob Friel, Ball Turret Gunner: Chas Evans, Waist Gunner: John Ramsay, Tail Gunner: Dick Fall (9KIA); flak, one engine out, crashed Nth Sea off Holland; (pilot’s body washed up Orfordness, UK, a few days later). MACR 7883. YANKEE REBEL.

Last updated: 20. October 2020

B-17 42-32049 / Yankee Rebel Details

I certify that I, 1Lt. Donald I. Soale, 534th Bombardment Squadron (H), 381st Bombardment Group (H), was serving as 1st Pilot on the mission of 3 August 1944 in B-17G, aircraft 43-37657 and submit the following statement concerning B-17G, 42-32049.

After passing through flak at the coast, Lt. Wilcock, 1st Pilot on B-17G, 42-32049 who was flying on my right wing, feathered No. four engine and started falling back. This was the last I saw of him.

Donald I. Soale
1st Lt., Air Corps
534th Bomb Sqdn (H)
First Pilot.

B-17 42-32049 / Yankee Rebel Crew