zoom_in
Source:
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
Production-block:
B-17F-30-VE: 42-5855 to 42-5904
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 96th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 338th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: BX-T
MACR: 3809
History of
B-17 42-5885 / Kipling’s Error III
Delivered Long Beach 20/4/43; Lowry 5/5/43; Smoky Hill 25/5/43; Dow Fd 2/6/43; Assigned 338BS/96BG [BX-T] Snetterton 12/6/43; Missing in Action Rostock 11/4/44 with Harry Johnson, Co-pilot: Luther Bailey, Navigator: Herb Springer, Bombardier: Bill Hopkins, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Bill McAnear, Radio Operator: Jim Learn, Ball turret gunner: Floyd Jenewein, Waist gunner: Mike Morenelis, Waist gunner: Walt Chmiel,Tail gunner: Dick Moore (10 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft, crashed Baltic Sea. Missing Air Crew Report 3809. KIPLING’S ERROR III.
Last updated: 26. July 2020
B-17 42-5885 / Kipling’s Error III Details
B-17 42-5885 / Kipling’s Error III Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Harry Edward Johnson | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Luther Ellis Bailey, Jr. | KIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Herbert Leon Springer | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | William J.D. Hopkins | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | William Paul McApear | KIA | - |
| RO | T/SGT | James Harold Learn | KIA | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Floyd Carl Jenewein | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Michel Peter Morenelis | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Walter Joseph Chmiel | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Richard Cahrles Moore | KIA | - |
26. July 2020 access_time 7:41
The 42-5885 was actually assigned to the 96th BG vice the shown 94th…. 🙂
26. July 2020 access_time 11:38
Thank you John. My mistake. I have updated it to 96th BG 🙂
Added the crew list and one more photo.
02. December 2022 access_time 4:42
Harry EJohnson is my cousin… people knew him as Jerry and I carry that name in his honor…. ANY photos of him and his crew would be deeply appreciated…. And feel free to use my email for communication
26. March 2024 access_time 23:49
Hi Jerry, My uncle (Mother’s brother) was Luther E. Bailey, Co-Pilot (His nick name: LE) I was named after him. I have a pic of the crew, do not know how to up load but would be happy to.
28. January 2022 access_time 17:57
My grandfather, T-Sgt Eugene Cottier, crewed the KEIII in the 413th Squad of the 96th BMG. I have a pictures of her in-flight.
07. January 2023 access_time 17:58
I made research about the RCAF Station St-Hubert for many,many years, and i found this for you. And it was write like this : Flying fortress B-17G piloted by Lt. Palmer, with a crew of nine from Wala Wala, Washington, arrived at 19;10 pm with one engine not functionning, the Crew were giving accomodation in quarters at St-Hubert, ( about 7 miles from Montreal ) in Quebec.
07. January 2023 access_time 18:00
Sorry ! I forget the number in early post. Was 42-5885 B-17G
26. March 2024 access_time 23:46
I have a pic of the crew. I was named after the Co-Pilot , my uncle. Be happy to upload, just do not know how.
28. March 2024 access_time 8:53
Hello,
can you send me a copy of the picture?
I can upload it to my B-17 database.
My email: info@b17flyingfortress.de
Cheers
Jing
04. December 2024 access_time 12:47
Hello,
My uncle was on that plane . I’ve had a hard time finding records . Would you send me a picture of the crew to my email ?
03. October 2024 access_time 4:26
Ssgt Walter Chmiel was my uncle. I would love to have any pictures of him and the rest of the crew. Thank you in advance . Vic Chmiel, Msgt USAF (Retired)
17. November 2024 access_time 5:59
My uncle Herbert L Springer died on this mission. I was hoping to find more information as he is my hero . I serve in the army and I would love to know more about this mission