Memphis Belle question

[whistlingdeath77]

Again, i'm sorry if i missed this a long time ago. After the Belle was done with it's missions it was flown back to the states for warbond purposes correct? Now, after the Belle went and did that, how long did she fly in the states? And when was the last time she was in the air before she was put away? Thanks guys!

[Jerry O'Neill]

Frank;
She was used in training future AF pilots until the end of hostilities. Eventually she was rescued and saved.
Jerry

[whistlingdeath77]

Frank;
She was used in training future AF pilots until the end of hostilities. Eventually she was rescued and saved.
Jerry

thanks Jerry, but when was her last flight?

[TonyM]

Frank;
She was used in training future AF pilots until the end of hostilities. Eventually she was rescued and saved.
Jerry

thanks Jerry, but when was her last flight?

July 17, 1946

Altus, OK, to Memphis, TN


TonyM

[whistlingdeath77]

thanks!

[JohnB]

I saw here last week at the NMUSAF.
I was impressed with the work they're going.
I was shown a complex glycol tank that had to be made as well as a landing light (unique to B-17Fs) that was also recreated (the original was fragile bakelight).

It also has a set of 0-time engines waiting to be installed (why? sounds like an unnecessary expense to me).

She's looking good. But her progress is being done at the expense of The Swoose...it's competion had been pushed back indefinately.

[mustangdriver]

The engines they have were already in NMUSAF inventory. They were mostly complete but needed rebuilt. The crew restored them ground up to 1943 standards. The restoration work going on with the Belle is not over the top. It is what all restorations should aim for. It should be the par. The NMUSAF restorations have really improved over the last few years, and they are aiming at this restoration being the definative B-17 restoration. The Belle deserves it.
The Swoose is still moving forward, just at a slower rate as they have most of the guys focused on the Belle. Just remember it was not long ago that there was little hope of ever seeing the Swoose on display, so slow forward progress is better than no progress. Once the Belle is on it's gear, the Swoose will speed up once again.

[Steve Nelson]

Back in March the tour guide told us that the main reason The Swoose was on hold was because the restoration staff was focusing on projects for the revamped/updated Viet Nam gallery. Once that's done, I assume The Swoose will move back to the top of the restoration queue. Like you said, Chris..at least she's not just gathering dust in a dark corner at Garber anymore. It actually makes sense that they're in no hurry to finish her. I don't think the museum has the space to display her right now anyway.

SN

[Holedigger]

There is always and ebb and flow to projects, only so many workers, so much floor space and such. So once "the Belle" gets moving on, and other projects also done, Swoose will get her turn.

[agent86]

my friends dad said the belle didnt fly 25 missions.claimed it was all propaganda.just saying what he said.he is gone and I can only say what he told me.anyone else heard this?

[Jollygreenslugg]

The fact that the Memphis Belle completed twenty-five missions is beyond doubt. The fact that it was the first 8th AF aircraft to do so is open to question.

Cheers,
Matt

[JDK]

The fact that the Memphis Belle completed twenty-five missions is beyond doubt.

Correct.

The fact that it was the first 8th AF aircraft to do so is open to question.

Not really a question. It was the first 8th Air Force bomber to complete 25 missions and go home. There was another B-17 that completed 25 missions prior, but as it hadn't been selected (the Belle had looked like the most probable 'first') as the subject of Wyler's film (and, incidentally, earlier another B-17 selected was lost with the crew and a cameraman) the publicity machine just finessed the story with the suffix quoted above. Like most statements, the devil is in the detail, and people repeating the idea, rather than the full details, muddy the water.

Rather like the real story of the aircraft's crew over those missions being a wider and more grab-bag assortment than the publicity machine required.

While the original Memphis Belle film was a worthwhile effort, it mustn't be forgotten it was as much subject to the manipulation of fact that all films - however much they claim to be documentary - are.

HTH.

[agent86]

we all have to also remember the fact that my buddy's dad was there and wasnt a glory hound nor a liar.he told me this story and I am not in a position to question it.he was there.we werent and thats what he said.why he would say this if it wasnt true,I DONT KNOW,OK?

[agent86]

did I mention he was/is my hero and none of his family know about his war record or even care? how sad is that?

[JDK]

I'm certainly not disputing his presence or views - or service, Agent, but there's no reason to disbelieve the records. There's certainly a couple of inconsistencies to the story of the Belle, compared to what most people believe, which is enough to support his cynicism over it. As we should all be aware, first-hand memories and accounts are invaluable, but also very, very unreliable. Present company included.