Specific B-29

[Craigt]

I found my fathers maintenance inspection record book from WW2. He was working on a B29A with serial # 44-69705. I cannot find anything on this particular aircraft. Are there archives anywhere that I could search to see what the history of this particular aircraft was?

Craig

[quemerford]

As ever, I'd suggest a letter to AFHRA at Maxwell AFB: they hold the aircraft's Individual Record Cards. I'd specifically ask for copies of the record cards, (which can be tricky to decipher) so that you have a primary source for the data. As a default, the AFHRA will normally send you their interpretation of the Record Card, which is often missing key data, such as actual dates (AFHRA usually just give a month/year for actions/accidents etc), and may lack an insight into a particular aircraft/aircraft type's likely assignments. They also often miss out IRAN, TDY etc data as it's difficult to understand some of these.

No criticism of AFHRA though - they get a lot of requests and these cards can be difficult to decipher, amnd take a long time for some machines. But at least if you have a direct copy, you can enjoy deciphering it yourself - or ask one of the helpful WIX members to help!

Hope this is of use.

[lmritger]

44-69705 was the first ship in the B-29-60-BW production block, built at Boeing-Wichita, delivered on 21 Dec 44, possibly named "SQUARE A" (not sure about the unit at the moment- the Google book preview doesn't say), assigned to the 301st BG on 17 June 1954. Source: Robert A. Mann, The B-29 Superfortress: A Comprehensive Registry

Still digging, will let you know what else I find...

Lynn

[Craigt]

Thanks for the replies. I have sent off to the AFHRA, looking forward to seeing what they have.

Craig

[Craigt]

Just got a reply email:

"Just to let you know we received your email. We are currently working on the January requests."

So hopefully I will have an answer by November.

Craig