FRE 4394
IMAGE![Lieutenant Robert L Riordan of the 306th Bomb Group shows King George VI the remains of his flak-damaged B-17 Flying Fortress during a royal visit to Thurleigh. Passed as censored 18 Nov 1942. Printed caption on reverse: 'ETO-HQ-42-1556. Nov. 14, 42. H.M., King George VI and Lt. James M. Hair [sic], Gatesville, Texas, examining parts of Lt. Hair's Flying Fortress that was damaged by an Axis flak. [Censor has struck out 'Thurleigh,'] England.' On reverse: Ministry of Information, 'Unofficially Approved',](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/wysiwyg_x2/public/freeman/media-407811.jpg.webp?itok=E3tmdgca)
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Lieutenant Robert L Riordan of the 306th Bomb Group shows King George VI the remains of his flak-damaged B-17 Flying Fortress during a royal visit to Thurleigh. Passed as censored 18 Nov 1942. Printed caption on reverse: 'ETO-HQ-42-1556. Nov. 14, 42. H.M., King George VI and Lt. James M. Hair [sic], Gatesville, Texas, examining parts of Lt. Hair's Flying Fortress that was damaged by an Axis flak. [Censor has struck out 'Thurleigh,'] England.' On reverse: Ministry of Information, 'Unofficially Approved', 'Confidential', US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].
Connections
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: British
- Role/Job: King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth
Locations
![A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group wave to Picture Post Girls in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24471) nicknamed "Four of a Kind" at Thurleigh in December 1942. Image stamped on reverse: '"Picture Post" [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 11 Dec 1942.' [stamp], '238038.' [Censor no.] Handwritten in censor's blue pencil on reverse: 'American Flying Fortress crew are introduced to the girls they will meet at Picture Post Xmas Party.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-379028.jpg.webp?itok=6Gc6iR0j)
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Bedford