FRE 771

IMAGE

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MSgt. Herbert F. Hastings, an aircraft mechanic in the 93rd Bomb Group, stands beside his B-24D Liberator, 41-24147, named, The Duchess. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press Agency Ltd.' Printed caption attached to the reverse: "283882" [Censor no]. 'AIR SER (LIBERATOR) ' [written annotation] '4/11/43 censor' [ written annotation]. "LIBERATOR'S TRAVELLING CIRCUS". "Travelling Circus" has become the nickname of the American B-24 Liberators on shuttle service. One day they may start from North African bases, strike at objectives in Northern Italy and land in Britain. Another day they may bomb Germany and fly to Sicily and refuel. A great striking power is combined with high mobility. The Liberators have to their credit such daring operations as the Ploesti Oil Refinery raid or Wiener Neustadt raid. This series of pictures shows the life of the "Travelling Circus", its Liberator bombers, flying men, and ground crews preparing and conducting operations, always swift in force and containing the element of surprise for the enemy. Keystone Photo shows:- MSgt. Herbert F. Hastings, of Loweaqua. Ill. near Decatur, who is one of the best crew chiefs in the U.S.A.A.F. Sgt. Hastings was crew chief on the ill-fated Liberator, Hot Freight, with a record of 12 missions without a turnback. He continued his good work on the B-24D, The Duchess, chalking up 22 more missions without a turnback. On one raid in particular he did a fast bit of work. The Duchess, was almost ready to take off when she developed a malfunction, necessitating changing the oil pressure lines, which Hastings did in the remarkable time of 10 minutes. Truly, the time worn expression, "Unsung Heroes" applies to men like Hastings. Their's is a job with no glory but great is the reward for their perseverance in putting the planes in the air. U.S.Pool/ F.Keystome 1.2. SG . 'Handwritten on reverse: '3/11/44.' Reference: "Mighty Eighth War Diary" By Roger A. Freeman. Page 133."

Connections

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Units

The insignia of the 93rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

A Ground crew-man of the 93rd Bomb Group stands beside a B-24 Liberator (serial number 41-24147) nicknamed "The Duchess". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press Agency Ltd.' [stamp] Printed caption attached to the reverse: "283882' [Censor no]. 'AIR SER (LIBERATOR) ' [written annotation].'4/11/43 censor' [ written annotation]. 'LIBERATOR'S TRAVELLING CIRCUS ""Travelling Circus"" has become the nickname of the American Liberators on shuttle service. One day they may start from N. African bases , strike
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 330th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16053383
  • Highest Rank: Master Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Crew Chief

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: - The Duchess - Evelyn
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 330th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption, unit associations, person associations, place associations and mission associations
Sources

B-24 - Best Web

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

"Mighty Eighth War Diary" - Roger A. Freeman. Page 133.

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection