44-8431 Cheri II
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FRE 3640
A tail gunner of the 91st Bomb Group clears snow from the tail of his B-17 Flying Fortress (OR-W, serial number 44-8431). Printed caption on reverse of print: '56153 A.C.: Freezing fogs and wet snows have crystallized to cover this 8th Air Force base in England with a shroud of white. This has been the severest winter in England in almost a generation. Prior to take-off, this 91st Bombardment Group tail gunner clears the plexi-glass window in front of his gun sights.' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Bassingbourn. 48431, OR-W. 91BG. US 8th AF Gunner prepares for take-off - a tail gunner of the 91st Bombardment Group, 8th USAF clears the plexi-glass window in front of his gun sights berfore taking off from a snow shrouded base 'in England'.
Roger Freeman Collection
IWM, Roger Freeman Collection
Delivered Lincoln 12/9/44; Grenier 6/10/44; Assigned 323BS/91BG [OR-W] Bassingbourn 4/11/44; 46m Returned to the USA Bradley 5/6/45; Sth Plains 8/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 14/12/45. CHERI II.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 13075110 / O-759749
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 39915521
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-785017
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: / O-?
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield