FRE 1270
IMAGE![Engineers work to complete the runway, in time for the first B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3123) nicknamed "Ron Chee" of the 381st Bomb Group to touch down. Image stamped on reverse: 'Planet News.' [stamp], 'Reviewed and passed 21 May 1943.' [stamp] and '265190.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Photo Shows:- American Engineers completeing the last piece of the aerodrome - as the first "Flying Fortress" bomber arrives on the new field. AND, 21 May 1943. PN-s.' Handwritten caption on reve](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/wysiwyg_x2/public/freeman/media-380067.jpg.webp?itok=ekRvTxF8)
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Engineers work to complete the runway, in time for the first B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3123) nicknamed "Ron Chee" of the 96th Bomb Group to touch down at RAF Andrews Field. Image stamped on reverse: 'Planet News.' [stamp], 'Reviewed and passed 21 May 1943.' [stamp] and '265190.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Photo Shows:- American Engineers completing the last piece of the aerodrome - as the first "Flying Fortress" bomber arrives on the new field. Handwritten caption on reverse: '381BG Gt Saling.'
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Air base
![Engineers work to complete the runway, in time for the first B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3123) nicknamed "Ron Chee" of the 381st Bomb Group to touch down. Image stamped on reverse: 'Planet News.' [stamp], 'Reviewed and passed 21 May 1943.' [stamp] and '265190.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Photo Shows:- American Engineers completeing the last piece of the aerodrome - as the first "Flying Fortress" bomber arrives on the new field. AND, 21 May 1943. PN-s.' Handwritten caption on reve](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380067.jpg.webp?itok=RlFf6IZT)
- Unit Hierarchy: Battalion
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Maintenance
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Ron Chee
- Unit: 381st Bomb Group 535th Bomb Squadron
Locations
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Great Saling
Revisions
Added connection to Andrews Field (Great Saling) as per original caption. Also added connection to 819th EAB as likely to men of this unit seen in photo: http://www.ixengineercommand.com/units/819th.php
42-3123 was originally assigned to the 96th BG and was an original aircraft with the group.
The 381st BG did not arrive in England until June 1943 and was assigned to RAF Ridgewell.