Memphis Belle question

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:34 am

From what I recall off hand, there was a lot of juggling of crew to get all men onboard for completing 25 along with the aircraft on the same mission. Though crews changing planes and personnel drifting from crew to crew was somewhat common, they really pushed things around to get the PR "25 and DONE" mission. I can see some "artificiality" there that may have lead some to say it wasn't real. Perception of events can be a strange thing. I used to work with a fellow who was a ground crew member in the 8th AF. To the day he died he swore that the Germans did NOT have jets, it was just a big PR stunt...Because HE didn't see any, nor any of his friends, so it DIDN'T happen. Many service men did NOT have the full picture of what all was going on, even in their own unit. They were given orders, they did them, and history marched on. Scuttlebutt that flies around any group of people may bend the truth or be totally wrong.

whistlingdeath77 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:24 am

i didn't think i would start a thread like this! What great information though

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:28 am

Here is a link to some interesting info, from the 303rd BG and the "Hell's Angels" claim to the 25th.... fuel on the fire! :shock:

http://www.303rdbg.com/h-ha-mb.html

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:33 am

I also recall reading somewhere, that another aircraft and crew that was approaching 25 missions was lost, along with a film crew. It was a tough time to be in the Mighty 8th, the loss rate was horrendous in those dark days. They really did need the PR/morale boost of being able to reach 25 and go home.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:42 am

The Memphis Belle is one of a few aircraft that is in the running to have flown it's 25th first. There is also HeII's Angels, and then an unnamed B-24. Records from the units and the individuals don't match up so no one is really sure. The Bell is certainly amon the first, and the first to come home. She really is a treasure

JDK · **Posted:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 4:33 pm

Holedigger wrote:

I also recall reading somewhere, that another aircraft and crew that was approaching 25 missions was lost, along with a film crew.

About 9 posts ago, in this thread - as well as wherever I read it as well.

It wasn't a 'film crew' lost, but one of Wyler's cameramen, with the aircraft's crew.

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