Ground crew of the 95th Bomb Group attend to an explosion caused whilst loading bombs into a B-17 Flying Fortress at Alconbury. Aircraft pictured are: B-17F (serial number 42-29808) and B-17F (serial number 42-29706) nicknamed "Passion Flower" (after the Disney character from 'Bambi')- both were written off as a result of the explosion of 42-29685 at top right of picture. Printed caption on reverse: 'A-25287 AG Planes 3 and 4 (later) in foreground were damaged beyond repair. The scene of the explosion, which ocurred as bombs were loaded in No 1 is in right background. 28 May 1943. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO'

Ground crew of the 95th Bomb Group attend to an explosion caused whilst loading bombs into a B-17 Flying Fortress at Alconbury. Aircraft pictured are: B-17F (serial number 42-29808) and B-17F (serial number 42-29706) nicknamed "Passion Flower" (after the Disney character from 'Bambi')- both were written off as a result of the explosion. Official caption printed on image: 'GE-36-1-92. 27.5.43.' Printed caption on reverse: 'D-61564 AC - These Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortresses" were considerably damaged when 500 pound general purpose bombs exploded while being loaded into a plane. 28 May 1943 England. US AIR FORCE PHOTO.' A map of Alconbury air base c. 1943 has also been drawn on the reverse, identifying the exact location of the explosion.

42-29685 or rather the crater left by 10 x 500lb GP bombs which exploded whilst being loaded on board '685. 19 KIA, 21 WIA, 3 other A/C* DBR, 6 further A/C damaged but repairable. 27 May 43, Alconbury. In the rear of the photo a Lorry stands with what little was left. * 42-29706, 42-29833 and 42-29808.

'Aerial view of airbase** in England showing destruction caused by the explosion of 500 pound general purpose bombs while being loaded into a Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress*". 28 May 1943, England'. Taken after the explosion of 42-29685* 334th BS, 95th BG [19 killed, 21 wounded], which damaged beyond repair 42-29706 "Passion Flower", 42-29833 and 42-29808. ** Alconbury.