Unique look at 457th BG B-17's in action ...

[Mark Allen M]

The 457th Bomb Group began combat operations during the Big Week of 20-25 February when American bombers carried out concentrated raids against German aircraft bases, factories and assembly plants. The air crews' targets on that first mission were Gutersloh and Lippstadt. Although the Group continued to strike German industrial targets, they also undertook tactical missions. D-Day found them bombing coastal defences along the Cherbourg peninsula. The Group continued to switch between strategic and support missions for the remainder of the war. After VE Day, the Group transported POWs from Austria to France.
More info & photos in link below:
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/431
















Flak so thick you could walk on it! Proof it was literally true.



Below a series of photos showing Lockheed/Vega B-17G-15-VE Fortress 42-97535 "Jill" landing on one main wheel.
Delivered Denver 14/12/43; Kearney 28/12/43; Grenier 16/1/44; Assigned 384BG Grafton Underwood 10/2/44; transferred 750BS/457BG [R] Glatton 19/2/44;
On return from Oranienburg involved in base landing accident with Frank Guca 14/3/45
Returned to the USA Bradley 28/5/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 21/10/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 1/12/45. BOUNCING BETTY II.
More info in link below:
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/10610

[Adam Kline]

Fantastic photos Mark. Again thank for posting.

[Michel Lemieux]

Amazing set!

The close shot of the 3 x 17's is great.

Tks again Mr. Mark.

[quemerford]

Awesome shots Mark: thanks as ever for sharing.

[Firebird]

The 457th Bomb Group began combat operations during the Big Week of 20-25 February when American bombers carried out concentrated raids against German aircraft bases, factories and assembly plants.

The runway at the bottom of this photo is still in use today by the Conington Flying Club, who's clubhouse and facilities are off the the far left of the runway on the north side (below the runway in this photo as this photo is upside down relative to north, with north at the bottom and south to the top)

The original farm house in the centre of the runway triangle, is still there today as well.