My father was a radioman in the 94th BG and his plane, the “Helno-Gal” can be seen at the 5:30 mark. He is 98 and still with us, the last survivor of his crew. They were shot down twice, limping back to friendly territory the first time, and not so lucky on June 13, 1943 over Kiel, Germany when only 4 of the crew survived. He trained in B-24s before being transferred to B-17s and he has a clear preference for the Flying Fortress. He says that the Liberators were faster with their Davis wing but the Forts could take a lot more punishment, dish it back out, and get their crews back home better than any other plane of its day. I’m sure that since he fought in the B-17, that is part of the reason for his preference but he is not alone in his assessment. We visited the Imperial War Museum in 1993, 50 years after his last mission, and it was a wonderful experience. I’m sure that he will enjoy this video. Well done!
@@plainlake I will do that. His biggest fear is that young people will forget all that they fought and died for, so your message will definitely be well received. Thanks.
@@HariSeldon., please give your father a deep bow from me as well. I can not help but use this opportunity to say hello to him with your help. I'm from Belarus. As a child, I was told a story of flying fortresses and their heroic crews. That's when I fell in love with this plane and the brave people who took it into the skies. Tell your father that the memory of their feat lives even in such distant corners of the world as my country.
My father was also a radio man, and he too preferred the B-17. Perhaps it was just being comfortable with what you know. But, he met another veteran at church who had flown in the B-24. His friend said that even those in the Liberators wished they were in the B-17. We will never know for sure.
What an incredible experience that must have been for you and your dad to go though that museum together. We must never forget the sacrifice they made. I am happy for you that you still have him around. With gratitude to him and his crew. Peace.
I’m an American Airman currently serving. I was fortunate enough to be stationed in Mildenhall a few years ago, and the thing that impacted me the most about the American Air Museum in Duxford was the graphics on the glass panes outside of all American aircraft losses during the war. It was staggering. Thank you, people of the UK, for memorializing that and keeping these stories alive.
Fantastic. I very often come to the American air museum at Duxford to see this very B17. Learnt a bit more about her today. These are my all time favourite aircraft. Seeing Sally B fly also always brings tears of such joy to me. Such incredible machines and amazing stories of heroism
Don’t forget also the B-17s, B-24s and B-25s of the Mighty 5th Air Force, that bombed and strafed Jap airfields and shipping in New Guinea, the Solomons and Phillipines, in the South-West Pacific theatre. In ‘42 and ‘43, their aircraft and resources were limited, whilst Roosevelt and Churchill gave most of the war effort to the 8th Airforce campaign against the “main” enemy - Germany. Troops fighting the Japs had another opinion and felt their brave efforts against the dominant Japs made them feel R & C felt the Pacific ranked second - as in second rate. 5th Air Force crews couldn’t have a beer in an English pub at the end of the day All they had was a rain-sodden tenant. Their flights often took 12 to 15 hours and some had to bail-out over the jungle, after running out of fuel (Kym in Darwin)
@@josiahrickens4556 interesting fact did you know for the nuclear bombs they dropped on Japan they were going too use the British Lancaster bomber because of all the bombers in WW2 it had the biggest payload, but the American airforce generals agreed for propaganda purposes it had too be a American bomber which understandable, so they had too do serious modifications too the B29s that dropped the bombs, ripping parts out too make room, fitting new hold rigs etc because the bomb was so big they couldn’t fit them in a standard B29. I only know because I watched a documentary on the Hiroshima nuclear bomb drop.
My great uncle Harry Rusk was the radio operator on B-17 #42-30598 of the 385th bomb group that was shot down by a BF-110 near dunkirk and ditched in the english channel on August 15th 1943 with no survivors. The other crew members were Pilot Ed Stone, co-pilot George Larson, navigator Jim Atkinson, bombardier Darrell Taylor, engineer Tony Kalisco, ball gunner Bob Paige, waist gunners Jim Glaxner and Elvin Rankin, and finally tail gunner Sam Burns. Lest we forget these brave aviators.
The position was radioman/waist gunner on B-17. At least according to dad, who was one. There were two waist guns and the port side also had the radio next to it.
so sorry to hear this! I lost an uncle on his first bombing raid in a wimpy! The other survived! It is so sad to lose someone you don't even know? I hope you might have read more about your great uncle? Sigh!!
My great uncle was a pilot in the 549th Squadron, 385th Bomb Group. His primary aircraft was the War Horse (42-31764) but he flew some missions in other aircraft. He completed his 35 missions in October 1944.
42-30598 ditched 10 miles north-west of Dunkerque at 19:56 hours. No 1 and 2 engines were out. About 300 feet above the water, the left wing came off. The plane nosed into water.
The bravery of these men is unbelievable. We are so lucky that a majority of us don’t have to experience this in our lives today. Thanks to all who served. ❤️
I've been researching a WW2 flying accident that claimed the life of my great uncle Flying Officer Victor Crowther RNZAF, he served with 224sqn RAF Coastal Command and the B24 they were in had some fuel problems, hit a couple of barrage balloon cables and crashed whilst attempting an emergency landing 30.10.1942. The reason I mention this is because through that research I have read a lot about the American Bombers (B17, B24, Hudsons etc) that served with the RAF in WW2. I have nothing but admiration for all the young airmen who flew in these aircraft and the others who kept them in the air. To have the courage to be able to climb into an aircraft not knowing if you are going to come home is a lesson for us all and we owe so much to these brave young men. Thanks for posting this video please do another showing the B24.
The 8th Air Force bomber crews suffered the highest attrition rates in the history of the US military until the MACV-SOG missions of Vietnam. Think about that, it took until commando missions inside of Cambodia and Loas where those guy's were operating almost entirely cut off to reach the type of fatality percentage number's that the 8th Air Force had in WW2.
@@dukecraig2402 thanks for pointing that out, I'm very aware of the huge USAF losses from WW2. The losses for the RAF Bomber Command were also very high, 57,205 aircrew were killed (about 46% of their operational airmen) by comparison RAF Coastal Command losses were lower at 5,866 but this was a smaller section of the Airforce. They were referred to as the 'Cinderella Service' because they were greatly underfunded and had a very important roll to fill. It was only with the help of the USA lend lease that they managed to get hold of the B24s which allowed them to close the Atlantic gap. The shortfall in resources was highlighted in the crew, the RAF used 7 men in an American aircraft built for 10. Each RAF crewmember would have multiple roles. We should remember the sacrafice made by all aircrews regardless of nationality or war - we will remember them. Best wishes to you from NZ.😉
@@pjb5757 I didn't compare their losses to other militaries during the war, I was very specific about saying "US military" when I was mentioning attrition rates. No need trying to turn it into a dick measuring contest, I don't play that game. This is a video about the B17 and it's crews and once again my comment was limited to "US military history".
@@dukecraig2402 I'm not trying to turn it into anything I was only trying to highlight my admiration of these very young brave airmen. I know this video was about the B17 which is an amazing aircraft. But, I've not long ago read a book called "The Forbidden Diary" by John L. Stewart who was a B24 Navigator (my great uncle was the Navigator in his aircraft) with the US 8th Airforce. He keep a secret diary of all his missions during WW2 it's a great read, you should have a look for it. Best Wishes.
My dad flew 35 missions with the 384th Bomb Group stationed at Grafton-Underwood. First mission July, 1944. 25 as a co-pilot and 10 as a pilot. He was 21 years old. He told me how "lucky" he was to not be in a B-17 in 1943 when the Luftwaffe ruled the skies over Germany and we didn't have the P-51 long range escort. Many people do not realize that more young men died in the 8th Air Force than the marines lost in the war in the Pacific.
My father was a Tech Sargeant in the 8th Airforce, 100th Bomber Group, 418th Squadron. He flew 30 missions in a B-17 as a radio operator. Like most American veterans of WW II, he never spoke of his experiences. As I learned more about the B-17, and its role in the war, I finally understood the sheer terror that airmen faced in that conflict. I was finally able to tour a B-17 once at a local air show. It changed the way I felt about all those who served in WWII, both men and women. He passed away in 2011. I am eternally proud that I was blessed to have him as my father, and I hope that all offspring of that generation feel the same.
My father was a ROG, too. Our fathers probably knew each other, if not by name, probably by face. The "Bloody 100th" was one of the most famous, or infamous due to casualties, outfits in the entire AF. My old man has been gone for almost 45 years and hardly a day goes by when l don't miss him.
My dad was a navigator in these late in the war from 2/45 til the end of hostilities in 5/45. He flew out of Thurleigh, 306BG. Had he been in earlier perhaps I wouldn't be here. I have his nav logs for 18 of his 24 missions. He'd fly several missions per week, sometimes every day, sometimes a few days off. He flew #24 3 days before the war ended. The logs were filled out during the progression of each mission from engine start to shutdown with entries every few minutes. Things like speed, altitude (most bombing around 25,000' or so), heading, outside temp (as low as -60°F!), observations, bombs away, etc., were all logged and timed. Amazing reading. Some observations were; "2 '17s collided ahead, both going down, 6 chutes" (there goes 14 men!), "Mustangs - red tails", "jets" (would have to be ME-262's), "flak heavy - inaccurate" "flak heavy - accurate" (!) and about 1000 others, things you only saw in movies. I also have a piece of flak that, where he sat in the nose, he dug out of the floor under the pilots' feet! There's also newspaper articles saved by his dad reporting on many of these same missions. Some of the most amazing were the daily articles about these enormous "airmada's" as they referred to them, 100's of miles long at the end of the war where 1,000's of these planes were bombing Berlin from sunup to sundown, every day, for over a month! My God what a freaking pounding we gave them in the end!
As an English man, may I say to you, thank you for what your dad did back then for us all! We must never forget what folks like my uncles and your dad did back then for us all thank you ever so much!
@@nigeldewallens1115 Much obliged! If dad were still around he'd probably just say, "Ahh, well, just did what we hadda do and made the most of it ... how 'bout one of those beers?"! 🙂 Then he'd go into one of his stories. Yeah, there were some good ones!
@@flyurway Thank you for replying! I do appreciate it! I recorded my mum and put it up on my wall! I cannot listen to it as it I still too painful! So if you wanted your welcome but if not I do understand! Take care and thanks again for the reply!
@@speedracer2336 And vice versa. You are after all our Mother Country. You taught us how to rule ourselves, to challenge ourselves, and strive for better. THANK YOU 😊
My wife and I included the Imperial War Museum Duxford on our 2019 trip to the United Kingdom and France; we spend a good part of a day exploring the different buildings that make up the facility. It is an absolutely wonderful exhibit of the aviation history of Britain (and now also its land warfare history); keep up the excellent work!
@@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24 I spend a day at the Tank Museum in Bovington back in 2014, and my wife and I also spend a day at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards (and a half-day at the Historic Dockyards Chatham, where I helped make a length of hemp rope); all were well worth the visits.
My grandfather enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943. He was in a ball turret on a B-17 with the 452nd bomb group. His crew/plane crash landed in Sweden the same year. They got back to England in late 1943, and went right back at it in another B-17 with the same name. Back in the early 2000s, they used to have this really cool reunion in Savannah, GA every year. I remember how sad it was to go back each year, and see less and less of them there. I imagine most are gone now, as my grandfather has been dead for about 4 years now. I can tell you being around those guys was incredible. It took a serious set of balls to do what they did. Thats a breed of men that you just don't see anymore. My grandfather was a hard man, but wow did I learn a lot from him. These guys/gals were definitely cut from a different cloth.
B-17s were used as fire bombers as late as the mid 1970s. I grew up near an airport and about 1955, I got to see 8 of these bombers flying together on their way to a forest fire in the Pacific NW. They landed at our airport to refuel. Once I was close enough to see them drop the red fire suppression material.
no wonder America prospered after the war !! after surveying the horror of war at such a young age how could you not think you could do anything .like so many others i did not know how many accommodations my father received until after his death . his attitude was it was a job that had to be done
My dad was a belly turret gunner on a B-17, my father in law a flight engineer. They both said the same thing as Walter Ram states below, that the B24 was a better plane but the B17 could withstand much more punishment and still get the crew home safely. I heard countless stories of the engines continuing to run in spite of multiple bullet hits. Also planes coming home with only two of the four engines. Fabulous video, thank you Imperial War Museum!
I don't know who our narrator here is, (presmably staff?) but I adore her knowledge and on-camera delivery. I haven't been to Duxford since before Covid19, but I can say that it's responsible for getting my niece into aviation as a helicopter pilot. I support your mission 100% and hope to come back soon. Good luck and blue skies to you all!
Today, we can only imagine HUNDREDS of these roaring beasts overhead heading out; What a wonderful museum and collection. Sad that there are only 50 left of thousands, and simply amazing the bravery of the aircrews; Thank you to these men and women who served.
I’ve been to duxford a few time & I could still go now & be amazed walking round. I know we had the Lancaster bomber & the wellington bomber but the b17 is just so beautiful to look at - I love it
What was amazing was the amount of aircraft lost because of the weather. I read a pilot's memoir where he told about flying for hours to Berlin and back and the most scariest part of the mission was landing in the bad weather.
As usual, an excellent report on an IWM Duxford's aeroplane. Good, well documented story, supported by great stock and modern footage. The interviews with veterans add to the quality of the clip and the to the story. Please keep it up!
My first boss and mentor, Mr. Morton Sobin piloted many phototo-recon missions in one of these planes set up for photography. Upon landing after one mission he was the only one alive (he was protected by heavy armor beneath the pilot's seat). His mentoring me equipped me for a 40 year career as a photographer at the NIH. He never spoke to me about his war experiences. The sink in his studios's B&W darkroom was crafted from a fuel tank from a B-17.
Thank you that was excellent.... Make no mistake these B17 crews where the bravest of the brave flying unescorted daylight raids over Europe.... We owe a debt of gratitude to the USAF.... the mental health of these guys must have been shot to pieces going on raid after raid how on earth did they cope ill never know... I prefer the B 24 it's just beautiful and very versatile with its exceptional long range..... I get goose bumps when I see all those B 17s flying in their box formations truly amazing.... RIP everyone of you guys lost over Europe 🙏🙏🙏🙏
My grandfather was a B17 pilot and was assigned to the 413th squadron, 96th bomb group of the 8th Air Force based out of Snetterton, Heath England. On June 6th 1944 after completing a bomb raid on a railroad yard in Magdeburg Germany, his plan encountered enemy fire from German fighters. A combination of hits from enemy fighter aircraft and flak rendered two engines kaput and damaged control and their oxygen supply. He gave the “bail out” order and all all but 3 members of the crew survived. He spent the next 10 months and 9 days as a POW until General Patton’s 3rd army liberated him and his men. My grandpa died back in 1997 when I was 15 years old. I used to get bored with his war stories. But I would give anything now to have 10 minutes to talk with him about all he had experienced. As an adult I’ve always been fascinated with WW2 aircraft and the stories of pilots and air crew from that era.
Norman Lear was a radio operator/gunner on Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers with the 772nd Bomb Squadron, 463rd Bomb Group of the Fifteenth Air Force. He flew in 52 combat missions and received the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
When I was visiting Arizona back in the 90's I visited the air museum in Mesa. They have an airworthy B-17 called "Sentimental Journey". I was stunned when I was told I was welcome to go on board. The had the cockpit blocked off with a chain. They even apologized that they wouldn't be taking it up that day. I'm sure I could have had a flight in it. You have no idea how cramped and restricted movement is.
Well presented.. some omitted details but fair enough.. what most do not understand.. and you have to see the b17 and the b24 together.. just how SMALL the airframe is.. the entire fuselage is about as long as regular city bus... and from the cockpit back it shrinks down in to from a cone ..
You're absolutely right. The first time I saw a B-17 up close I was quite frankly shocked at how small it is, old (and new) films make it look much bigger than it actually is. It's pretty "tight" on the inside too!
Great video and story. I live in Mesa Arizona. Nearby we have falcon Field and a operating B-17. It flies over the house many times and I always marvel and remember all the men who never came home. Never Forget….FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I’ve only seen the b17 fly once. Independence Day, I’m outside Detroit and this majestic plane flew at low altitude about 500 to a thousand meters away. Just amazing.
My great uncle was killed piloting a B17 in a bombing run on oldenburg germany. The plane he flew was actually named after him on the nose art. I have a huge love of the B17
Dad did 30 missions behind the twin 50s in the top turret of a B17G, 401st Bomb Group. Lots of war stories including a life or death battle with an ME262. He brought back a raging case of PTSD that hounded him until his death.
One of my uncles dropped out of high school after Pearl Harbor and commuted from Sumner, Washington to Renton and got a job building B-17 Flying Forts. I know that Boeing had a plant in Wichita and that other companies helped build more airframes... But I can't look at a Fortress without wondering if he worked on it. Magnificent planes!!!
Excellent documentary on the B-17, especially when you took us inside & pointed out the lack of pressurized interior, complete with open windows for the waist gunners!
I always marvel at how often footage from the Memphis Belle documentary is used for other historical videos. It really is one of the best preserved wartime films.
Excellent video- I visited IWM Duxford and I must say, it's the best museum I've ever seen. I have to get back there as soon as I can get back to the U.K. Greetings from Canada!
Wow how lucky is she to go inside Mary Alice! I'm a reenactor and collect usaaf bomber kit,I've done events at Duxfords airshows and always have dreamed of going inside myself in full bomber shearling kit, (which I have) it makes you appreciate the sacrifices made so we can have today. Never forget the bravery of these men these heros! Great video all the best
Thank you for remembering them Josh as these men made a tremendous sacrifice. I'm an American and do reenacting myself. Been lucky enough not only to wear full kit in a B-17 I flew in it as well even plugging in my heated suit, throat mike and oxygen. The most sobering part of it was squeezing thru the bomb bay wearing that stuff.
@@warrenchambers4819 many thanks it's so inportant to remember these men, please enjoy my video of the flight gear that I have collected so far- with the UK sally b ua-cam.com/video/FxZfuuq-6I0/v-deo.html
The Commemerative Air Force in Texas sometimes does flights for paying customers. I do not know the current price but about ten years ago a ticket was $300.
@@kirbyculp3449 It's still reasonably price 600 for the best seat goes lower from there. Just about every airshow outfit here in the states now sell rides. Insurance hassles finally handled yrs ago opened it all up. Heck you can even get a ride in a F4 Phantom if you got a spare 3500 bucks. Hueys, Cobra's, warbirds and even fast movers are all available.
Duxford is a fantastic place to visit and the American Aviation Museum is superb. As big as the B-17 & B-24 are the B-52 makes them look like small scale models. The size difference is staggering.
excellent stuff as is the norm from the IWM team, what a priveledged job you have, thank you for your passion for looking after these war ladies, if you have not been to Duxford it really is an outstanding place and if your really keen more than a full days worth, keep these little features coming ta very much.
Check out the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tuscon Arizona. They have a museum full of the missions in Europe and all theatres of combat during WWII. It brought tears to my eyes....
hi from Czech republic pals, so I am sincerely honestly grateful to each and every soldier which was involved in B 17 missions over Germany in WW2, and lots of them lost life even for our country, so YOU from B 17 forces thanks THANKS thanks
Very nice video. Enjoyed it very much. FYI, though, late B-17g's with the staggered waist gunners DID have windows. This reduced drag and gave the plane a mile or two longer range. 🙂
My dad flew a B17 in the 12th Air Force originally out of North Africa and then Italy. Have some pictures of their “posh” accommodations (tents). Later flew modified B17s (bomb bay outfitted with a large life boat) and goony birds for air/sea rescue out of Adak Alaska during early 50s. Would only talk about the war after a few glasses of wine, it was pretty brutal.
I found your channel tonight. This is my 2nd video after your recent video on the P-51. I'm so, so impressed with your content. Consider me a regular viewer from this point forward.
I've been to Duxford so many times and have never heard of the history of that specific aircraft. I don't remember seeing it on the blurb. Amazing how it was used by so many different people
American Grandfather worked at the Nash-Kelvinator plant in Lansing Michigan making the B-17 and B-24 propellor blades. German Grandfather was rear machine gunner in the Ju 87 Stuka. Always an interest of mine to know both sides of the air war.
I was a member of the Duxford Aviation Society in the 1980s, i wired the lights in the Viscount. A friend was restoring this actual Fortress and invited me on board. Being 6' 2" tall, i was bent double in the fuselage. Gunners had to be 5' 6" tops
My father flew 36 combat missions over Germany (mostly). He was a Lieutenant and then a Captain in the 8th Airforce. The bomber group I forget, but was nicknamed "The Fightin' Bitin'". And one of his planes was the Picadilly Lilly. He was a squadron leader, if that is the correct terminology, a point of the spear, as it were, in a formation. He was awarded several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, but they meant nothing to him. He said everybody did what he did, that his service and citations for flying back home across the English Channel in a severely damaged plane, and other citations, were nothing special, and wasn't half of what happened, and that others did likewise. He thought it unseemly to be honored for it. He only brought this up near the end of his life, when I asked, and the medals were finally sent to him that apparently he did not want. Otherwise, he said very little about combat. And I might add that he was repulsed by the sight of blood, for reasons I can only imagine. But we do know that thousands of airmen were ripped to shreds up there, and that at any moment while in combat, you could be hit by flak shrapnel or a shell from the nose canon of a ME-109. Being singled out for valor was almost a disgrace to these airmen, I think, because they saw so many die. My uncle was B-17 waist gunner, at a base near my dad's in Britain. He told me once that Hitler had placed 6,000 anti aircraft guns around Berlin, and that during air raids the Germans filled the skies with flak, that they were thick with it. He said, flying into it was one thing as a waist gunner, where he could not see what was ahead, but that for a pilot like my dad, "it was absolutely terrifying," because they could see they were flying into a morass of lethal explosions in the sky. I must add one thing, and I apologize for this, but my father would be disgusted with what's going on in America and Canada right now. The complete disregard for what he and others fought and died for, the abandonment of Americans in Afghanistan, the subversion of our elections, and the attacks on American history and ideals. I am relieved he is not here to see it. God bless those who fought so we could be free.
It's a really lovely aircraft, I'm in that hanger most weekends as I live local, the b17 is my favourite in that room, however I feel the old girl is in need of some tlc, I was in the other day and her back tyre is flat and in need of some air, my hope is this year you can get some of these aircraft open for walk throughs as this one is one I'd love to see inside.
Clark Gable, from Gone with the Wind, was waist gunner in a B-17 and flew several combat missions during the war. I find this absolutely outstanding! He sure was far from being a teenager by then, and statistically waist gunner was the more dangerous station, the most exposed to enemy fire. (the ball turret was the safest, unlike many people thinks) Ronald Reagan volunteered too, but he was much too short sighted for active duty; so he ended up doing a great job starring in instructional movies for the US Army, either as actor or as Voice off. James Stewart was a B-24 co-pilot during the war and I believe he ended his career flying B-52s. Charming fellow.
I had the opportunity to go inside on of these. What’s hard to understand is how small it was inside. You literally couldn’t stand up without crouching. The men who flew these had balls of steel. 25 missions. Unbelievable
Isn't that the truth. They look large outside but are very cramped inside. I think the radio compartment was the only place a 6' man could stand straight. A good thing the men were young and nimble. I visited the Collings "909" back in 1996 on a stopover in Morgantown, West Virginia. A B-24 was also there, but the "909" was my favorite of the two and I was saddened when she was lost a few years back. Perhaps the starkest thing to remember about the B-17 (really any combat aircraft of the day) is that none of the .50 machine guns carried more than one minute's worth of ammunition (about 500 rounds). Some of the guns (like the cheek guns and radio compartment gun) carried a lot less than that.
OMG! What a great video, museum and staff! You lot have thrown out baited hooks and I’m on the line! Can’t wait to get back to the UK and visit here! Amazing!!!!
A Great movie my Parents raved about 1946's "The Best Years of Our Lives " featured a Captain Fred Derry a B-17 Bombedier returning home played by Dana Andrews. I wondered before playing this role he took a ride or two with a local USAAF unit in The Los Angeles area still flying B-17s in preparation for filming this movie. Many WW2 aircraft right after the war were immediately obsolete and withdrawn from service.
Been to RAF Duxford twice. Amazing place. The American Museum building is outstanding and the ramp leading from the runway level up to the main entrance is flanked by various small monuments. Each of these are dedicated to individual air groups and display etched “silhouettes” for every aircraft lost. The sheer number of these “silhouettes” will send a chill up your spine. The bravery of these fliers was astonishing. Several units, bombers, had a 50% loss rate.
My grandfather flew in B-17s in the 8th. Have some pictures he took of them in flight formation out the waist gunner positions and on the ground. Something that seems rare as cameras were not personal belongings in the 40s. Not sure much more as he passed away in the 1980s when I was a teenager. But always imagine he could be in any one of these planes and hope to see him in a movie some day.
My father was a radioman in the 94th BG and his plane, the “Helno-Gal” can be seen at the 5:30 mark. He is 98 and still with us, the last survivor of his crew. They were shot down twice, limping back to friendly territory the first time, and not so lucky on June 13, 1943 over Kiel, Germany when only 4 of the crew survived. He trained in B-24s before being transferred to B-17s and he has a clear preference for the Flying Fortress. He says that the Liberators were faster with their Davis wing but the Forts could take a lot more punishment, dish it back out, and get their crews back home better than any other plane of its day. I’m sure that since he fought in the B-17, that is part of the reason for his preference but he is not alone in his assessment. We visited the Imperial War Museum in 1993, 50 years after his last mission, and it was a wonderful experience. I’m sure that he will enjoy this video. Well done!
Wow, that is all I can say.
And make sure to tell him that the newer generations is still amazed by what he and his generation lived through.
@@plainlake I will do that. His biggest fear is that young people will forget all that they fought and died for, so your message will definitely be well received. Thanks.
@@HariSeldon., please give your father a deep bow from me as well. I can not help but use this opportunity to say hello to him with your help. I'm from Belarus. As a child, I was told a story of flying fortresses and their heroic crews. That's when I fell in love with this plane and the brave people who took it into the skies. Tell your father that the memory of their feat lives even in such distant corners of the world as my country.
My father was also a radio man, and he too preferred the B-17. Perhaps it was just being comfortable with what you know. But, he met another veteran at church who had flown in the B-24. His friend said that even those in the Liberators wished they were in the B-17. We will never know for sure.
What an incredible experience that must have been for you and your dad to go though that museum together. We must never forget the sacrifice they made. I am happy for you that you still have him around. With gratitude to him and his crew. Peace.
I’m an American Airman currently serving. I was fortunate enough to be stationed in Mildenhall a few years ago, and the thing that impacted me the most about the American Air Museum in Duxford was the graphics on the glass panes outside of all American aircraft losses during the war. It was staggering. Thank you, people of the UK, for memorializing that and keeping these stories alive.
One of the most poignant parts of the museum
These brave men should never be forgotten and speaking as an Englishman, I am very pleased they are memorialised at Duxford.
Fantastic. I very often come to the American air museum at Duxford to see this very B17. Learnt a bit more about her today. These are my all time favourite aircraft. Seeing Sally B fly also always brings tears of such joy to me. Such incredible machines and amazing stories of heroism
Many thanks!
Don’t forget also the B-17s, B-24s and B-25s of the Mighty 5th Air Force, that bombed and strafed Jap airfields and shipping in New Guinea, the Solomons and Phillipines, in the South-West Pacific theatre. In ‘42 and ‘43, their aircraft and resources were limited, whilst Roosevelt and Churchill gave most of the war effort to the 8th Airforce campaign against the “main” enemy - Germany. Troops fighting the Japs had another opinion and felt their brave efforts against the dominant Japs made them feel R & C felt the Pacific ranked second - as in second rate. 5th Air Force crews couldn’t have a beer in an English pub at the end of the day All they had was a rain-sodden tenant. Their flights often took 12 to 15 hours and some had to bail-out over the jungle, after running out of fuel (Kym in Darwin)
tenant - should be tent
@@kymyeoward306 your also forgetting the B-29 who became famous to make Japan surrendered
@@josiahrickens4556 interesting fact did you know for the nuclear bombs they dropped on Japan they were going too use the British Lancaster bomber because of all the bombers in WW2 it had the biggest payload, but the American airforce generals agreed for propaganda purposes it had too be a American bomber which understandable, so they had too do serious modifications too the B29s that dropped the bombs, ripping parts out too make room, fitting new hold rigs etc because the bomb was so big they couldn’t fit them in a standard B29. I only know because I watched a documentary on the Hiroshima nuclear bomb drop.
My great uncle Harry Rusk was the radio operator on B-17 #42-30598 of the 385th bomb group that was shot down by a BF-110 near dunkirk and ditched in the english channel on August 15th 1943 with no survivors. The other crew members were Pilot Ed Stone, co-pilot George Larson, navigator Jim Atkinson, bombardier Darrell Taylor, engineer Tony Kalisco, ball gunner Bob Paige, waist gunners Jim Glaxner and Elvin Rankin, and finally tail gunner Sam Burns. Lest we forget these brave aviators.
The position was radioman/waist gunner on B-17. At least according to dad, who was one. There were two waist guns and the port side also had the radio next to it.
so sorry to hear this! I lost an uncle on his first bombing raid in a wimpy! The other survived! It is so sad to lose someone you don't even know? I hope you might have read more about your great uncle? Sigh!!
My great uncle was a pilot in the 549th Squadron, 385th Bomb Group. His primary aircraft was the War Horse (42-31764) but he flew some missions in other aircraft. He completed his 35 missions in October 1944.
42-30598 ditched 10 miles north-west of Dunkerque at 19:56 hours. No 1 and 2 engines were out. About 300 feet above the water, the left wing came off. The plane nosed into water.
The bravery of these men is unbelievable. We are so lucky that a majority of us don’t have to experience this in our lives today. Thanks to all who served. ❤️
I've been researching a WW2 flying accident that claimed the life of my great uncle Flying Officer Victor Crowther RNZAF, he served with 224sqn RAF Coastal Command and the B24 they were in had some fuel problems, hit a couple of barrage balloon cables and crashed whilst attempting an emergency landing 30.10.1942. The reason I mention this is because through that research I have read a lot about the American Bombers (B17, B24, Hudsons etc) that served with the RAF in WW2. I have nothing but admiration for all the young airmen who flew in these aircraft and the others who kept them in the air. To have the courage to be able to climb into an aircraft not knowing if you are going to come home is a lesson for us all and we owe so much to these brave young men.
Thanks for posting this video please do another showing the B24.
The 8th Air Force bomber crews suffered the highest attrition rates in the history of the US military until the MACV-SOG missions of Vietnam.
Think about that, it took until commando missions inside of Cambodia and Loas where those guy's were operating almost entirely cut off to reach the type of fatality percentage number's that the 8th Air Force had in WW2.
@@dukecraig2402 thanks for pointing that out, I'm very aware of the huge USAF losses from WW2. The losses for the RAF Bomber Command were also very high, 57,205 aircrew were killed (about 46% of their operational airmen) by comparison RAF Coastal Command losses were lower at 5,866 but this was a smaller section of the Airforce. They were referred to as the 'Cinderella Service' because they were greatly underfunded and had a very important roll to fill. It was only with the help of the USA lend lease that they managed to get hold of the B24s which allowed them to close the Atlantic gap. The shortfall in resources was highlighted in the crew, the RAF used 7 men in an American aircraft built for 10. Each RAF crewmember would have multiple roles.
We should remember the sacrafice made by all aircrews regardless of nationality or war - we will remember them.
Best wishes to you from NZ.😉
@@pjb5757
I didn't compare their losses to other militaries during the war, I was very specific about saying "US military" when I was mentioning attrition rates.
No need trying to turn it into a dick measuring contest, I don't play that game.
This is a video about the B17 and it's crews and once again my comment was limited to "US military history".
@@dukecraig2402 I'm not trying to turn it into anything I was only trying to highlight my admiration of these very young brave airmen. I know this video was about the B17 which is an amazing aircraft. But, I've not long ago read a book called "The Forbidden Diary" by John L. Stewart who was a B24 Navigator (my great uncle was the Navigator in his aircraft) with the US 8th Airforce. He keep a secret diary of all his missions during WW2 it's a great read, you should have a look for it. Best Wishes.
@@dukecraig2402 Jeez dude.
My dad flew 35 missions with the 384th Bomb Group stationed at Grafton-Underwood. First mission July, 1944. 25 as a co-pilot and 10 as a pilot. He was 21 years old. He told me how "lucky" he was to not be in a B-17 in 1943 when the Luftwaffe ruled the skies over Germany and we didn't have the P-51 long range escort. Many people do not realize that more young men died in the 8th Air Force than the marines lost in the war in the Pacific.
If my information are correct. First mission on 29 July 1944 to Merseburg, Germany. Last mission on 04 December 1944 to Soest, Germany.
Respect to your dad and all those brave, often young, heroes 🫡
My father was a Tech Sargeant in the 8th Airforce, 100th Bomber Group, 418th Squadron. He flew 30 missions in a B-17 as a radio operator. Like most American veterans of WW II, he never spoke of his experiences. As I learned more about the B-17, and its role in the war, I finally understood the sheer terror that airmen faced in that conflict. I was finally able to tour a B-17 once at a local air show. It changed the way I felt about all those who served in WWII, both men and women. He passed away in 2011. I am eternally proud that I was blessed to have him as my father, and I hope that all offspring of that generation feel the same.
My father was a ROG, too. Our fathers probably knew each other, if not by name, probably by face. The "Bloody 100th" was one of the most famous, or infamous due to casualties, outfits in the entire AF. My old man has been gone for almost 45 years and hardly a day goes by when l don't miss him.
My uncle piloted the B17s, never talked about it, just came home and raised a family and lived his life
My grandad was also a Tech Sgt and radio operator/gunner. 2nd USAAF.
My grandfather served on a B24 and never spoke of his service but once and he spoke for 30 minutes about the radios they used.
God bless him. What a hero. RIP..
My dad was a navigator in these late in the war from 2/45 til the end of hostilities in 5/45. He flew out of Thurleigh, 306BG. Had he been in earlier perhaps I wouldn't be here. I have his nav logs for 18 of his 24 missions. He'd fly several missions per week, sometimes every day, sometimes a few days off. He flew #24 3 days before the war ended. The logs were filled out during the progression of each mission from engine start to shutdown with entries every few minutes. Things like speed, altitude (most bombing around 25,000' or so), heading, outside temp (as low as -60°F!), observations, bombs away, etc., were all logged and timed. Amazing reading. Some observations were; "2 '17s collided ahead, both going down, 6 chutes" (there goes 14 men!), "Mustangs - red tails", "jets" (would have to be ME-262's), "flak heavy - inaccurate" "flak heavy - accurate" (!) and about 1000 others, things you only saw in movies. I also have a piece of flak that, where he sat in the nose, he dug out of the floor under the pilots' feet! There's also newspaper articles saved by his dad reporting on many of these same missions. Some of the most amazing were the daily articles about these enormous "airmada's" as they referred to them, 100's of miles long at the end of the war where 1,000's of these planes were bombing Berlin from sunup to sundown, every day, for over a month! My God what a freaking pounding we gave them in the end!
As an English man, may I say to you, thank you for what your dad did back then for us all! We must never forget what folks like my uncles and your dad did back then for us all thank you ever so much!
@@nigeldewallens1115 Much obliged! If dad were still around he'd probably just say, "Ahh, well, just did what we hadda do and made the most of it ... how 'bout one of those beers?"! 🙂 Then he'd go into one of his stories. Yeah, there were some good ones!
@@flyurway Thank you for replying! I do appreciate it! I recorded my mum and put it up on my wall! I cannot listen to it as it I still too painful! So if you wanted your welcome but if not I do understand! Take care and thanks again for the reply!
One of the most beautiful planes ever. So glad the museum has such a fine piece of history.
Thank you for showcasing this magnificent aircraft. May America 🇺🇸 and Britain 🇬🇧 remain close friends and allies forever
Amen
No thanks.
Well said Ronald!
UK is USA's number one Ally!
@@speedracer2336 And vice versa. You are after all our Mother Country. You taught us how to rule ourselves, to challenge ourselves, and strive for better. THANK YOU 😊
My wife and I included the Imperial War Museum Duxford on our 2019 trip to the United Kingdom and France; we spend a good part of a day exploring the different buildings that make up the facility. It is an absolutely wonderful exhibit of the aviation history of Britain (and now also its land warfare history); keep up the excellent work!
UK does have some great museums, the Tank museum at Bovington is another great one and the historic dockyard at portsmouth is fantastic
@@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24 I spend a day at the Tank Museum in Bovington back in 2014, and my wife and I also spend a day at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards (and a half-day at the Historic Dockyards Chatham, where I helped make a length of hemp rope); all were well worth the visits.
My grandfather enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943. He was in a ball turret on a B-17 with the 452nd bomb group. His crew/plane crash landed in Sweden the same year. They got back to England in late 1943, and went right back at it in another B-17 with the same name. Back in the early 2000s, they used to have this really cool reunion in Savannah, GA every year. I remember how sad it was to go back each year, and see less and less of them there. I imagine most are gone now, as my grandfather has been dead for about 4 years now. I can tell you being around those guys was incredible. It took a serious set of balls to do what they did. Thats a breed of men that you just don't see anymore. My grandfather was a hard man, but wow did I learn a lot from him. These guys/gals were definitely cut from a different cloth.
B-17s were used as fire bombers as late as the mid 1970s. I grew up near an airport and about 1955, I got to see 8 of these bombers flying together on their way to a forest fire in the Pacific NW. They landed at our airport to refuel. Once I was close enough to see them drop the red fire suppression material.
There was one in my area in southern CA.
Thank you my Dad was a mechanic at Debach stationed with the 8th Army Air Corp. He worked on B 17s
It must have been absolutely terrifying to have been a crew member when under attack, these were very brave young men .
no wonder America prospered after the war !! after surveying the horror of war at such a young age how could you not think you could do anything .like so many others i did not know how many accommodations my father received until after his death . his attitude was it was a job that had to be done
My dad was a belly turret gunner on a B-17, my father in law a flight engineer. They both said the same thing as Walter Ram states below, that the B24 was a better plane but the B17 could withstand much more punishment and still get the crew home safely. I heard countless stories of the engines continuing to run in spite of multiple bullet hits. Also planes coming home with only two of the four engines. Fabulous video, thank you Imperial War Museum!
I don't know who our narrator here is, (presmably staff?) but I adore her knowledge and on-camera delivery.
I haven't been to Duxford since before Covid19, but I can say that it's responsible for getting my niece into aviation as a helicopter pilot.
I support your mission 100% and hope to come back soon. Good luck and blue skies to you all!
Today, we can only imagine HUNDREDS of these roaring beasts overhead heading out; What a wonderful museum and collection. Sad that there are only 50 left of thousands, and simply amazing the bravery of the aircrews; Thank you to these men and women who served.
I’ve been to duxford a few time & I could still go now & be amazed walking round. I know we had the Lancaster bomber & the wellington bomber but the b17 is just so beautiful to look at - I love it
What was amazing was the amount of aircraft lost because of the weather. I read a pilot's memoir where he told about flying for hours to Berlin and back and the most scariest part of the mission was landing in the bad weather.
Auto pilot wasn't a thing back then they had to use trim to keep her level without stick input. Truly a different breed of pilot.
As usual, an excellent report on an IWM Duxford's aeroplane. Good, well documented story, supported by great stock and modern footage. The interviews with veterans add to the quality of the clip and the to the story. Please keep it up!
My first boss and mentor, Mr. Morton Sobin piloted many phototo-recon missions in one of these planes set up for photography. Upon landing after one mission he was the only one alive (he was protected by heavy armor beneath the pilot's seat). His mentoring me equipped me for a 40 year career
as a photographer at the NIH. He never spoke to me about his war experiences. The sink in his studios's B&W darkroom was crafted from a fuel tank from a B-17.
Thank you that was excellent.... Make no mistake these B17 crews where the bravest of the brave flying unescorted daylight raids over Europe.... We owe a debt of gratitude to the USAF.... the mental health of these guys must have been shot to pieces going on raid after raid how on earth did they cope ill never know... I prefer the B 24 it's just beautiful and very versatile with its exceptional long range..... I get goose bumps when I see all those B 17s flying in their box formations truly amazing.... RIP everyone of you guys lost over Europe 🙏🙏🙏🙏
When I first saw the B-17 on TV over 20 years ago, in the late 1990s, I was fascinated by this aircraft. And I am still fascinated :)
I am grateful of the efforts to preserve these aircraft.
My grandfather was a B17 pilot and was assigned to the 413th squadron, 96th bomb group of the 8th Air Force based out of Snetterton, Heath England. On June 6th 1944 after completing a bomb raid on a railroad yard in Magdeburg Germany, his plan encountered enemy fire from German fighters. A combination of hits from enemy fighter aircraft and flak rendered two engines kaput and damaged control and their oxygen supply. He gave the “bail out” order and all all but 3 members of the crew survived. He spent the next 10 months and 9 days as a POW until General Patton’s 3rd army liberated him and his men.
My grandpa died back in 1997 when I was 15 years old. I used to get bored with his war stories. But I would give anything now to have 10 minutes to talk with him about all he had experienced. As an adult I’ve always been fascinated with WW2 aircraft and the stories of pilots and air crew from that era.
I hear ya. Wish I had listened to grandpa’s stories too
Congrats to all that made this restoration possible for everyone to see a part of history, very well done !
Norman Lear was a radio operator/gunner on Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers with the 772nd Bomb Squadron, 463rd Bomb Group of the Fifteenth Air Force. He flew in 52 combat missions and received the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
When I was visiting Arizona back in the 90's I visited the air museum in Mesa.
They have an airworthy B-17 called "Sentimental Journey". I was stunned when I was told I was welcome to go on board.
The had the cockpit blocked off with a chain.
They even apologized that they wouldn't be taking it up that day. I'm sure I could have had a flight in it.
You have no idea how cramped and restricted movement is.
I have been aboard her. It was an amazing experience.
Well presented.. some omitted details but fair enough.. what most do not understand.. and you have to see the b17 and the b24 together.. just how SMALL the airframe is.. the entire fuselage is about as long as regular city bus... and from the cockpit back it shrinks down in to from a cone ..
Yep, when I saw the picture of the missionaries at 9:13 I thought, there's no way that's a B-17!
You're absolutely right. The first time I saw a B-17 up close I was quite frankly shocked at how small it is, old (and new) films make it look much bigger than it actually is.
It's pretty "tight" on the inside too!
Great video and story. I live in Mesa Arizona. Nearby we have falcon Field and a operating B-17.
It flies over the house many times and I always marvel and remember all the men who never came home. Never Forget….FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I love these historical stories & it’s wonderful to see the aircraft so beautifully maintained 👍🏼
I’ve only seen the b17 fly once. Independence Day, I’m outside Detroit and this majestic plane flew at low altitude about 500 to a thousand meters away. Just amazing.
My great uncle was killed piloting a B17 in a bombing run on oldenburg germany. The plane he flew was actually named after him on the nose art. I have a huge love of the B17
My Dad was a bombardier, a Lieutenant in the 8th Air Corps, flew 36 missions, 1943-45. RIP Thank you fo this video!
Dad did 30 missions behind the twin 50s in the top turret of a B17G, 401st Bomb Group. Lots of war stories including a life or death battle with an ME262. He brought back a raging case of PTSD that hounded him until his death.
One of my uncles dropped out of high school after Pearl Harbor and commuted from Sumner, Washington to Renton and got a job building B-17 Flying Forts. I know that Boeing had a plant in Wichita and that other companies helped build more airframes...
But I can't look at a Fortress without wondering if he worked on it. Magnificent planes!!!
Heart-wrenching to hear him speak about loosing his friend again. You never get over that.
Hats off to the research, filming and editing crew on this wonderful video.
Excellent documentary on the B-17, especially when you took us inside & pointed out the lack of pressurized interior, complete with open windows for the waist gunners!
It’s very hard to put words up for these so committed warriors that flew these beasts ..Respect
I really enjoy the clarity of communication from Emily. I hope to see more of these presented by E. Charles. Thank you.
My dad was a tail gunner in a B17 and flew 33 missions. He was in the 369th.
I always marvel at how often footage from the Memphis Belle documentary is used for other historical videos. It really is one of the best preserved wartime films.
Excellent video- I visited IWM Duxford and I must say, it's the best museum I've ever seen. I have to get back there as soon as I can get back to the U.K. Greetings from Canada!
Wow how lucky is she to go inside Mary Alice! I'm a reenactor and collect usaaf bomber kit,I've done events at Duxfords airshows and always have dreamed of going inside myself in full bomber shearling kit, (which I have) it makes you appreciate the sacrifices made so we can have today. Never forget the bravery of these men these heros! Great video all the best
Thank you for remembering them Josh as these men made a tremendous sacrifice. I'm an American and do reenacting myself. Been lucky enough not only to wear full kit in a B-17 I flew in it as well even plugging in my heated suit, throat mike and oxygen. The most sobering part of it was squeezing thru the bomb bay wearing that stuff.
@@warrenchambers4819 many thanks it's so inportant to remember these men, please enjoy my video of the flight gear that I have collected so far- with the UK sally b ua-cam.com/video/FxZfuuq-6I0/v-deo.html
The Commemerative Air Force in Texas sometimes does flights for paying customers. I do not know the current price but about ten years ago a ticket was $300.
@@kirbyculp3449 It's still reasonably price 600 for the best seat goes lower from there. Just about every airshow outfit here in the states now sell rides. Insurance hassles finally handled yrs ago opened it all up. Heck you can even get a ride in a F4 Phantom if you got a spare 3500 bucks. Hueys, Cobra's, warbirds and even fast movers are all available.
@@kirbyculp3449 yea sadly I'm I'm the UK 🇬🇧
The fact that my fourth cousin flew one of these birds in the eight air force and survived is remarkable
Love the comment about Norton bombsight. The accuracy was NOT great for many reasons. For the crews that flew these planes, great bravery.
Duxford is a fantastic place to visit and the American Aviation Museum is superb.
As big as the B-17 & B-24 are the B-52 makes them look like small scale models. The size difference is staggering.
Another great video, concise, well-researched and immaculately presented. Leaves you wanting to know more, and get to Duxford!
I rode in a B17 a few years ago, an amazing experience.
excellent stuff as is the norm from the IWM team, what a priveledged job you have, thank you for your passion for looking after these war ladies, if you have not been to Duxford it really is an outstanding place and if your really keen more than a full days worth, keep these little features coming ta very much.
Check out the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tuscon Arizona. They have a museum full of the missions in Europe and all theatres of combat during WWII. It brought tears to my eyes....
Thank you for remembering.
hi from Czech republic pals, so I am sincerely honestly grateful to each and every soldier which was involved in B 17 missions over Germany in WW2, and lots of them lost life even for our country, so YOU from B 17 forces thanks THANKS thanks
excellent narration
Very nice video. Enjoyed it very much. FYI, though, late B-17g's with the staggered waist gunners DID have windows. This reduced drag and gave the plane a mile or two longer range. 🙂
I'm very happy that it's being preserved and displayed.
My dad flew a B17 in the 12th Air Force originally out of North Africa and then Italy. Have some pictures of their “posh” accommodations (tents). Later flew modified B17s (bomb bay outfitted with a large life boat) and goony birds for air/sea rescue out of Adak Alaska during early 50s. Would only talk about the war after a few glasses of wine, it was pretty brutal.
I found your channel tonight. This is my 2nd video after your recent video on the P-51. I'm so, so impressed with your content. Consider me a regular viewer from this point forward.
these are some of my favorite videos on youtube
Excellent production - thank you for sharing !
I've been to Duxford so many times and have never heard of the history of that specific aircraft.
I don't remember seeing it on the blurb.
Amazing how it was used by so many different people
American Grandfather worked at the Nash-Kelvinator plant in Lansing Michigan making the B-17 and B-24 propellor blades.
German Grandfather was rear machine gunner in the Ju 87 Stuka.
Always an interest of mine to know both sides of the air war.
What amazing dedication to restore this plane to its wartime configuration. Wow!
Nice...I remember watching a video of the training the gunners had to go through and it was tough to be a good gunner on these planes.
Thank you so much for sharing this excelent video !🎩👌🏻👍🏻🏆🏅
love the video ty..............
I was a member of the Duxford Aviation Society in the 1980s, i wired the lights in the Viscount. A friend was restoring this actual Fortress and invited me on board. Being 6' 2" tall, i was bent double in the fuselage. Gunners had to be 5' 6" tops
This, and the M-1 Rifle, are brilliant examples of Art Deco design.
M-1 is a beautiful machine. One of the best rifles ever made.
Great video. I'm glad this B-17 has such a great home.
Thank you
My father flew 36 combat missions over Germany (mostly). He was a Lieutenant and then a Captain in the 8th Airforce. The bomber group I forget, but was nicknamed "The Fightin' Bitin'". And one of his planes was the Picadilly Lilly. He was a squadron leader, if that is the correct terminology, a point of the spear, as it were, in a formation. He was awarded several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, but they meant nothing to him. He said everybody did what he did, that his service and citations for flying back home across the English Channel in a severely damaged plane, and other citations, were nothing special, and wasn't half of what happened, and that others did likewise. He thought it unseemly to be honored for it. He only brought this up near the end of his life, when I asked, and the medals were finally sent to him that apparently he did not want. Otherwise, he said very little about combat. And I might add that he was repulsed by the sight of blood, for reasons I can only imagine. But we do know that thousands of airmen were ripped to shreds up there, and that at any moment while in combat, you could be hit by flak shrapnel or a shell from the nose canon of a ME-109. Being singled out for valor was almost a disgrace to these airmen, I think, because they saw so many die. My uncle was B-17 waist gunner, at a base near my dad's in Britain. He told me once that Hitler had placed 6,000 anti aircraft guns around Berlin, and that during air raids the Germans filled the skies with flak, that they were thick with it. He said, flying into it was one thing as a waist gunner, where he could not see what was ahead, but that for a pilot like my dad, "it was absolutely terrifying," because they could see they were flying into a morass of lethal explosions in the sky. I must add one thing, and I apologize for this, but my father would be disgusted with what's going on in America and Canada right now. The complete disregard for what he and others fought and died for, the abandonment of Americans in Afghanistan, the subversion of our elections, and the attacks on American history and ideals. I am relieved he is not here to see it. God bless those who fought so we could be free.
Explain "the subversion of our elections" if you would be so kind.
fascists like trump
@@edogould9865 Mail in Balloting and Ballot Harvesting anyone? Kudos to your Father, Iam Hudsdent.
The best plane is the one that brings you home! Great work on this video!
It's a really lovely aircraft, I'm in that hanger most weekends as I live local, the b17 is my favourite in that room, however I feel the old girl is in need of some tlc, I was in the other day and her back tyre is flat and in need of some air, my hope is this year you can get some of these aircraft open for walk throughs as this one is one I'd love to see inside.
Thank you for a great tour and talk about the plane and the brave crew who flew them,seeing this and the other plane's at Duxford was a great day out,
Clark Gable, from Gone with the Wind, was waist gunner in a B-17 and flew several combat missions during the war. I find this absolutely outstanding! He sure was far from being a teenager by then, and statistically waist gunner was the more dangerous station, the most exposed to enemy fire. (the ball turret was the safest, unlike many people thinks)
Ronald Reagan volunteered too, but he was much too short sighted for active duty; so he ended up doing a great job starring in instructional movies for the US Army, either as actor or as Voice off.
James Stewart was a B-24 co-pilot during the war and I believe he ended his career flying B-52s. Charming fellow.
I had the opportunity to go inside on of these. What’s hard to understand is how small it was inside. You literally couldn’t stand up without crouching. The men who flew these had balls of steel. 25 missions. Unbelievable
Isn't that the truth. They look large outside but are very cramped inside. I think the radio compartment was the only place a 6' man could stand straight. A good thing the men were young and nimble. I visited the Collings "909" back in 1996 on a stopover in Morgantown, West Virginia. A B-24 was also there, but the "909" was my favorite of the two and I was saddened when she was lost a few years back. Perhaps the starkest thing to remember about the B-17 (really any combat aircraft of the day) is that none of the .50 machine guns carried more than one minute's worth of ammunition (about 500 rounds). Some of the guns (like the cheek guns and radio compartment gun) carried a lot less than that.
Thank you for saving this beautiful airplane ❤️
Ok I am going to visit that museum,added to my bucket list
I was in one at Chino Air Museum. The aluminum VERY " thin". Wouldn't stop Luftwaffe canon fire. SHRED IT LIKE HOT KNIFE GOING THROUGH BUTTER!
Hope to see the AAM example & Sally B in March if I can get to Duxford. Love the B17, shame Sally B is the only one flying here in the UK & Europe
This is a good video, the historical part of the aircraft in the museum was interesting to me. Thanks.
OMG! What a great video, museum and staff! You lot have thrown out baited hooks and I’m on the line! Can’t wait to get back to the UK and visit here! Amazing!!!!
Always love seeing her when I visit, must pop over again soon.
A Great movie my Parents raved about 1946's "The Best Years of Our Lives " featured a Captain Fred Derry a B-17 Bombedier returning home played by Dana Andrews. I wondered before playing this role he took a ride or two with a local USAAF unit in The Los Angeles area still flying B-17s in preparation for filming this movie.
Many WW2 aircraft right after the war were immediately obsolete and withdrawn from service.
Interesting vid, and presented well
Glad you enjoyed it!
Been to RAF Duxford twice. Amazing place. The American Museum building is outstanding and the ramp leading from the runway level up to the main entrance is flanked by various small monuments. Each of these are dedicated to individual air groups and display etched “silhouettes” for every aircraft lost. The sheer number of these “silhouettes” will send a chill up your spine. The bravery of these fliers was astonishing. Several units, bombers, had a 50% loss rate.
How interesting - thank you very much for this presentation.
Wonderful! I'm going to learn more about the B-17 now...
Thank you very much for this video. Appreciate it a LOT 👍
Greetings from a grateful Dutch 🇳🇱 man, T.
Brave, brave men. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Great and informative videos! Just yesterday I was watching the Mosquito video and I was thinking if you have a video about the B-17.
Happy to be of service!
Nicely presented
Looks fabulous both inside and out.
My grandfather flew in B-17s in the 8th. Have some pictures he took of them in flight formation out the waist gunner positions and on the ground. Something that seems rare as cameras were not personal belongings in the 40s. Not sure much more as he passed away in the 1980s when I was a teenager. But always imagine he could be in any one of these planes and hope to see him in a movie some day.
A bit of history there.. Thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿
The ball turret is one of my favourite exhibits at Duxford
Thank you IWM for being such a good steward. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
thank you for clear information on this plane