Milton Elder

Military
Personnel of the 34th Bomb Group queue alongside a B-17 (serial number 43-38216) nicknamed "Tempest Turner" that was named after the Hollywood actress Lana Turner, for the world premiere of her latest film: 'Marriage is a Private Affair', held at Mendelsham. Image stamped with SHAEF press censor and London News Agency copyright. Handwritten caption on reverse: '16/10/44.' '303 EXTRA.' '34 BG.' ' 4596.' media-379040.jpg FRE 604 Personnel of the 493rd Bomb Group queue alongside a B-17 (serial number 43-38216) nicknamed "Tempest Turner" that was named after the Hollywood actress Lana Turner, for the world premiere of her latest film: 'Marriage is a Private Affair',

This photograph was taken outside Hangar #1 at Debach Airfield, home of the 493rd BG, on Sunday October 15th 1944
The film had its world premier at the 493rd BG thanks to S/Sgt Milton Elder, Ball gunner on the John Lewis crew. S/Sgt Elder, of the 862nd BS, had been a cameraman at MGM studios prior to being inducted for training as a heavy bomber gunner. His last film featured Miss Turner. After contacting the studios to ask if Miss Turner would visit his base, SSgt Elder was told this was not possible due to her busy schedule, but that she had asked that her latest film be shown to the men of the 493rd BG before it was released to the public.
Included with the original release was a filmed personal message to all of the men of the 493rd BG from Miss Turner.

43-38216 "Tempest Turner" transferred to the 34th BG in late January 1945, after being left on the continent following damage sustained on the combat mission to Giessen, Germany, with the 493rd BG on 11th December 1944.


Image stamped with SHAEF press censor and London News Agency copyright. Handwritten caption on reverse: '16/10/44.' '303 EXTRA.' '34 BG.' ' 4596.'

Roger Freeman Collection

493rd BG Archives

Object Number - FRE 604 - Personnel of the 493rd Bomb Group queue alongside a B-17 (serial number 43-38216) nicknamed "Tempest Turner" that was named after the Hollywood...

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 493rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 493rd Bomb Group 862nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17072090 and O-699640
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Tempest Turner
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 493rd Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron 862nd Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorJeff Coleman
Changes
Sources

Jeff Coleman

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Milton Elder: Gallery (2 items)