Production-block:
B-17F-40-DL: 42-3229 to 42-3283
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 95th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 336th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: ET-E
History of
B-17 42-3283 / Yankee Queen
Delivered Denver 22/4/43; Dow Fd 6/6/43; Assigned 336BS/95BG [ET-E] Framlingham 25/5/43; Horham 15/6/43; 17m battle damaged Hanau 4/10/43 with Harry O’Neal, Co-pilot: Frank Sances, Navigator: Draper Hand, Bombardier: Joe Krapley, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ernie Rape, Radio Operator: Warren Irving, Ball turret gunner: Chas Zakzeski, Waist gunner: Chas Stafford,Tail gunner: Stan Michaels; (all 10 wia but Returned to Duty). #3 on fire and crash landed at Earls Colne base, near Bird in Hand pub, one 1,000lb bombs exploded before others made safe; Salvaged 30/1/44. YANKEE QUEEN.
Last updated: 22. August 2017
03. March 2023 access_time 19:24
I am Chair of the Earls Colne Heritage Museum in Essex, Recently, one of our elderly village residents, who was 7 in 1943 told us the story of a Flying Fortress crash-landing on his Grandfather’s farm – White Gate – destroying the farmhouse. His grandfather helped the crew escape before a bomb exploded. By research, we have now identified it as this Flying Fortress, Yankee Queen. I would be pleased to supply any further detail, and we do hope that one day a family member of the crew may make contsct.
16. July 2024 access_time 22:22
My name is Todd Locke Ernie Rape was my Uncle. He was the top turret gunner/flight engineer. I have his journal he kept during the war if you are interested I can make a copy. Thanks for the information.
17. July 2024 access_time 10:52
Hello Todd, can I get a copy of his journal as well?
You can mail me: info@b17flyingfortress.de
Thanks!
18. July 2024 access_time 14:41
Todd,very pleased to hear from you – I would be very pleased to receive a copy & can update you on the progress I have made on researching Yankee Queen since I posted this over 1 year ago. Many thanks Gordon