Production-block:
B-17G-1-VE: 42-39758 to 42-39857
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 94th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 331st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: QE-N
MACR: 1068
History of
B-17 42-39855 / Ole Basser
Delivered Long Beach 22/9/43; Scott 1/10/43; ass 331BS/94BG [QE-N] Rougham 8/10/43; MIA Oberlanstein 11/11/43 Pilot: Paul Kane, Co-Pilot: Lynn Oliver, Bombardier: George Ross (3KIA), Navigator: Larry Hoban, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Hoyt Stropes, Radio Operator: Ray Leib, Ball Turret Gunner: Ray Gibbons, Waist Gunner: Milo King, Waist Gunner: Chas Wrobel, Tail Gunner: Harry Knechtle (7POW); Enemy aircraft KO’d #3, exploded crashed in polder near Fijnaart, nr Willemstadt, Hol; MACR 1068. OLE BASSER.
Last updated: 3. September 2018
13. March 2019 access_time 22:18
My Uncle, the late Hoyt William Stropes, was the Engineer / Top Turret Gunner on this aircraft. During the return flight from Germany to England the B-17 was attacked by enemy fighter(s). Several crewmen were injured during the exchange of gunfire. Hoyt was seriously injured and with six other crew bailed out before the B-17 exploded near Fijnaart, Netherlands (Holland). The site Accident-Report.com provides additional information including some survivor written interviews. Don’t know the fate of the other crewmen taken POW, but Uncle Hoyt survived the camps and returned to the USA. Would appreciate finding out any additional information, photos, and stories others may have or know about this B-17 and its crew.
05. April 2022 access_time 20:46
My dad’s cousin Paul Kane was the piolet on the flight. He did not survive.