Production-block:
B-17F-30-VE: 42-5855 to 42-5904
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 100th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 351st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: EP-A
MACR: 948
History of
B-17 42-5864 / Piccadilly Lily
Delivered Long Beach 31/3/43; Kearney 15/4/43; Wendover 2/5/43; Dow Fd 30/5/43; Assigned 351BS/100BG [EP-A] Thorpe Abbotts 1/6/43; Missing in Action Bremen 8/10/43 with Capt Alvin Barker-mp, p-CaptTom Murphy, Co-pilot: Marshall Lee, Radio Operator: Derrell Piel, Waist gunner: Elder Dickinson,Tail gunner: Aaron David (6 Killed in Action); Navigator: Chas Sarabun, Bombardier: Floyd Peterson, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: John Ehlen, Ball turret gunner: Reed Hufford, Waist gunner: Gerry Robinson (5 Prisoner of War); flak KO’d #3 and navigator’s compartment which caught fire, crashed Bremerhaven, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 948. PICCADILLY LILY.
Last updated: 21. September 2017
22. January 2020 access_time 4:31
My dad John J. Ehlen was the flight engineer and top turret gunner on the Piccadilly Lilly. First Piccadilly Lilly was shot down. My dad was was reported missing in action and then POW. He went to VJ Day parade in Sioux Falls. Parade goers were so excited that they hugged my dad and pulled him out of his brother’s truck that he was driving in the VJ Day parade. The truck somehow caught on fire and burned up in the middle of the VJ Day parade!
07. November 2020 access_time 6:37
Hi Sue Ehlen, Through recent family ancestry research my family found out that we are related to Monico Rodriguez. We found pictures and info but not sure what he looks like. I wonder if you have anymore info.
07. November 2020 access_time 6:40
In response to my comment I made a mistake and he was apart of piccadilly willy. However hoping you could point me into the direction of finding some answers.
14. November 2020 access_time 16:42
Sue , have you checked the 100 BG website. We’re Poor Little Lambs may interest you. If you need a copy let me know.
26. January 2022 access_time 2:21
My uncle Robert Spiller my father brother was ground crew for Piccadilly . He is in couple photos with the plane.