VIII Bomber Command 1

17 August 1942
A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieutenant Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; Glen V. Leland, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergeant Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Sergeant Zane Gemmill, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Image stamped on reverse: 'Pas media-379313.jpg FRE 877 A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieutenant Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; Glen V. Leland, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergeant Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Sergeant Zane Gemmill, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Image stamped on reverse: 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1942' [stamp], 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'USA(BRI)CCC' [ written annotation]. '216113'[ Censor no]. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. FLYING FORTRESSES RAID IN DAYLIGHT Associated press photo shows: The crew who flew the leading Flying Fortress in the raid are seen here lined up under the nose of the plane. Left to right they are Lieut. Frank R Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieut. Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; ;Glen v. Leland, of St.Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergt Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Serg. Zane Gemmill, of ST. Clair, Penn. AKP/ROB 249453 18842a.' Roger Freeman Collection

Connection to crew names, aircraft and mission

Object Number - FRE 877 - A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids,...

Official Description

12 B-17’s of 97th Bomb Group, escorted by Spitfires, launch first Army Air Force Heavy Bomber attack from UK against Western Europe. Target is Rouen-Sotteville Marshalling Yard. Sergeant Kent R West shoots down German fighter, thus becoming the first Eighth Air Force gunner to receive credit for a combat kill.

Description

The US 8AF launches its first strategic bombing raid of the war, sending 12 Boeing B-17Es of the 97BG on a strike against the railyards of Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France, while another six fly a diversionary route. The attacking force is split into two formations: the first led by CO 97BG COL Frank A. Armstrong, Jr. aboard Butcher Shop (41-2578), the second led by CG VIII BC BG Ira C. Eaker aboard Yankee Doodle (41-9023). The strike is intended to support the upcoming Operation JUBILEE with its amphibious landings on Dieppe, France.

The strike sees the 8AF’s gunners achieve their first aerial victory when a FW-190A-3 (4332) piloted by Leutnant Herbert Horn (I/JG2) is shot down by SSGT Kent R. West, ball turret gunner on the Birmingham Blitzkrieg (41-9100).

Mission Details

ROUEN/SOTTEVILLE

Description: 12 B-17s of the 97th Bomb Group are dispatched to bomb railway marshaling yards at Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France. The 97th Bomb Group took off from Grafton Underwood at 16:27 and bombed the target between 17:39 and 17:46. Accuracy was poor. Despite worst fears, only two bombers sustained superficial damage during the mission.

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Strike Force: Boeing B-17E 41-2578 340BS/97BG Butcher Shop Boeing B-17E 41-9125 342BS/97BG Prowler Boeing B-17E 41-9026 342BS/97BG Baby Doll Boeing B-17E 41-9042 342BS/97BG Berlin Sleeper Boeing B-17E 41-9043 342BS/97BG Peggy D Boeing B-17E 41-9017 342BS/97BG Heidi Ho Boeing B-17E 41-9023 414BS/97BG Yankee Doodle Boeing B-17E 41-9089 414BS/97BG Johnny Reb Boeing B-17E 41-9103 414BS/97BG Dixie Demo Boeing B-17E 41-9021 414BS/97BG Big Bitch Boeing B-17E 41-9030 414BS/97BG Big Punk Boeing B-17E 41-9100 414BS/97BG Birmingham Blitzkrieg The lead aircraft of the 340th Bomb Squadron was Butcher Shop (41-2578) flown by Captain Paul W Tibbets, Jr. (Commanding Officer 340th BS) and co-piloted by Colonel Frank A Armstrong, Jr. (Commanding Officer 97th BG) in the first Flight group of six Fortresses. The remaining five Fortresses in the first Flight group were from the 342nd Bomb Squadron. The lead aircraft of the 414th Bomb Squadron was Yankee Doodle (41-9023) flown Captain Rudolph E Flack (Commanding Officer 414th BS, Grafton Underwood Base Commander and Mission Commander), co-piloted by 2nd Lieutenant John R Dowswell and carried Brigadier General Ira C Eaker (Commanding Officer, 8th Air Force Bomber Command) as an Observer in the second Flight group of six Fortresses. The remaining five Fortresses in the second Flight group were from the 414th Bomb Squadron. Staff Sergeant Kent West, Ball Turret Gunner aboard Birmingham Blitzkrieg (41-9100) claimed the only aerial victory of the mission. Shooting down an FW-190 flown by Leutnant Herbert Horn of Jagdeschwader 2.

A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieutenant Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; Glen V. Leland, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergeant Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Sergeant Zane Gemmill, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Image stamped on reverse: 'Pas

340th Bomb Squadron

  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Twelfth Air Force Fifteenth Air Force Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A formation of Flying Fortresses on their way to attack targets near the Anzio beachhead. Nearest the camera is a 342nd Bomb Squadron, 97th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30056) that was declared Missing In Action on the 2nd of July 1944. Handwritten caption on reverse: '230056, MIA 2/7/44, 342BS, 97BG.' Printed caption on reverse: 'PNA. IA 18239. Forts Bound For Anzio. A flight of Flying Fortresses, carrying fragmentation bombs, gather in formation for a flight to the Anzio beachhead,

342nd Bomb Squadron

  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force Twelfth Air Force Fifteenth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Ground personnel of the 97th Bomb Group reservice a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9023) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle", following the raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 18 Aug 1942.' [stamp], 'Air=SER (Boeing).' [written annotation] and '216112.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT. Associated Press Photo Shows: No sooner had one of the huge Fortresses landed after the raid than ground crew im

97th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force Twelfth Air Force Fifteenth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 18.45
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 12
  • Aircraft effective: 12
  • Aircraft damaged: 2

DIVERSION

Description: 6 B-17 Flying Fortresses flew a diversionary route.

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Diversion Force: Boeing B-17E 41-9085 340BS/97BG Jarrin' Jenny

A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieutenant Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; Glen V. Leland, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergeant Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Sergeant Zane Gemmill, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Image stamped on reverse: 'Pas

340th Bomb Squadron

  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Twelfth Air Force Fifteenth Air Force Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Ground personnel of the 97th Bomb Group reservice a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9023) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle", following the raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 18 Aug 1942.' [stamp], 'Air=SER (Boeing).' [written annotation] and '216112.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT. Associated Press Photo Shows: No sooner had one of the huge Fortresses landed after the raid than ground crew im

97th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force Twelfth Air Force Fifteenth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 6

FIGHTER ESCORT

Description: Fighter escort for the bomber force was provided by RAF Spitfires.

Aircraft Type: Spitfire

Notes: 3 aircraft were shot down by enemy fighters of Jagdgeschwader 26

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft missing in action: 3

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

Colonel Frank A. Armstrong of the 97th Bomb Group in the cockpit of his B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Photographed by US Army Air Air Forces.' [caption], 'US Official Phot No. USB 230. (WA) Distributed by the Ministry of Information.' [caption] 'USAA(BRI)CCC:TYPE.' [written annotation] Printed caption on reverse: 'LEADER OF THE US BOMBING ATTACK ON WILHELMSHAVEN. Photo shows:- Col. Frank A. Armstrong of Asheville N.C. who led the bombing attack on Wilhelmshaven- the first American air a

Frank Alton Armstrong

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: VIII Bomber Command 1st Bomb Division 306th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-17459
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant General
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer; Pilot
Film star turned Intellegence Officer Gene Raymond of the 97th Bomb Group questions his comrades following a raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.', '216129' [ Censor no] and 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1942' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT Associated Press photo shows: Gene Raymond ex-Hollywood film star now intelligence office in the U.S. Army Air Corps questions Sgt. Kent West of West Blocton, ALA. Rear Gunner who shot down a

Thomas Hurley Borders

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14055301 at enlistment, then O-436494
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
This photo shows the crew with their B-17E Hangar Queen (41-9021) prior to August 17, 1942. This crew and plane were initially assigned to the 414th BS (97th BG).

Ralph Burbridge

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Ira Clarence Eaker

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Headquarters Squadron (VIII Bomber Command) Headquarters (Eighth Air Force) United States Army Forces in the British Isles
  • Service Numbers: O-7478
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant General
  • Role/Job: Commanding General, 8th Air Force

Rudolph Emil Flack

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-371840
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot, Squadron CO, Base CO, Wing CO, NASAF Ops Ofcr, 2nd AAF C-of-S

Aircraft

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-2578) nicknamed "Butcher Shop" of the 92nd Bomb Group at Bovingdon. Written on slide casing: 'B-17 E 12578 Oldest fortress in 8AF Bovingdon, 1943.'

41-2578

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Butcher Shop/ Big Tin Bird
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 326th Bomb Squadron 340th Bomb Squadron 77th Fighter Squadron
A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9017) of the 92nd Bomb Group in flight. Passed for publication 5 Sep 1942. Printed caption on reverse: 'Q.13312: A Flying Fortress photographed in flight at a U.S. Training Centre.' On reverse: Westminster Press Provincial Newspapers Ltd and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

41-9017

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Heidi Ho
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 482nd Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 94th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group 327th Bomb Squadron 342nd Bomb Squadron
This photo shows the crew with their B-17E Hangar Queen (41-9021) prior to August 17, 1942. This crew and plane were initially assigned to the 414th BS (97th BG).

41-9021

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Big Bitch/ Hangar Queen
  • Unit: 390th Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group 327th Bomb Squadron 414th Bomb Squadron

41-9023

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Yankee Doodle
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group 323rd Bomb Squadron 324th Bomb Squadron 414th Bomb Squadron
The B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9026) nicknamed "Baby Doll" of the 92nd Bomb Group takes off. Passed for publication 5 Sep 1942. Printed caption on reverse of print: 'Training American Bomber Crews In England, Sept. 1942. Preparing for the day when the might of the American and British Air Forces will strike together against the heart of Germany are many U.S. Army Air Corps bomber crews with their giant Flying Fortresses. They are completing their training over here at airfields which the Ameri

41-9026

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Baby Doll
  • Unit: 92nd Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group 327th Bomb Squadron 342nd Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date29 Sep 2020 14:17:17
ContributorEmily
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

Amends to Sotteville/Rouen Mission notes suggested by User RickFlack ( Son of Rudolph Flack) based on information in his father's records.

Date18 Sep 2018 11:42:27
ContributorEmily
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by Carter / Mueller, the Office of Air Force History,

Freeman, Mighty Eighth War Diary

Amended and information added by GBlume to put mission narrative and notes into plain English

Date18 Sep 2018 11:18:16
ContributorEmily
ChangesChanges to official description
Sources

THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by Carter / Mueller, the Office of Air Force History,

Date29 May 2017 10:48:49
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to description
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date29 May 2017 08:18:14
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to name
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date29 May 2017 06:35:10
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to media associations
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date29 May 2017 06:34:03
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to media associations
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date28 May 2017 06:28:59
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to name, description and aircraft associations
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date28 May 2017 06:23:11
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date28 May 2017 06:04:06
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date28 May 2017 06:00:31
ContributorGBlume
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

www.gblume.com

Date15 Feb 2015 18:02:12
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to event
Sources

Lee Cunningham 15-Feb-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to Rouen statistics per 'The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman.

Date18 Oct 2014 22:05:48
ContributorLee8thbuff
ChangesChanges to description
Sources

Lee Cunningham 19-Oct-2014. Mission details were garnered from "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" of Roger A Freeman; "Losses of the 8th and 9th AIr Forces" Stan Bishop & John A Hey MBE. Mission descriptions authored by Mr. Cunningham based on research from the sources listed.

Date27 Sep 2014 18:43:16
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.

VIII Bomber Command 1: Gallery (5 items)

A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. They are from left to right: Lieutenant Frank R. Beadle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Sergeant Chester Love, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Sergeant Richard Williams, of Utica, New York; Lieutenant Levon Ray, of Poolville Texas; Glen V. Leland, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Sergeant Frank Rebello, Tiverton, Rhode Island; Sergeant Joseph Cummings, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Sergeant Zane Gemmill, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania. Image stamped on reverse: 'Pas

Object number: FRE 877 - A bomber crew of the 97th Bomb Group with their B...

Film star turned Intellegence Officer Gene Raymond of the 97th Bomb Group questions his comrades following a raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.', '216129' [ Censor no] and 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1942' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT Associated Press photo shows: Gene Raymond ex-Hollywood film star now intelligence office in the U.S. Army Air Corps questions Sgt. Kent West of West Blocton, ALA. Rear Gunner who shot down a

Object number: FRE 880 - Film star turned Intelligence Officer Gene Raymond...

Personnel of the 97th Bomb Group look out for the return of B-17 Flying Fortresses from a raid on Rouen, from the top of the Control Tower at Grafton Underwood. Image stamped on reverse: 'Photo Supplied Photopress Central.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1942.' [stamp], 'USA (BRI) CCC.' [written annotation] and '216036.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Picture shows: Aerodrome Personnel on the Control Tower watching for the return of the planes from the raid.' Handwritten captio

Object number: FRE 887 - US and British Officers look out for the return of...

Object number: UPL 14075 - Glued to back of photo is piece of paper with...

Object number: UPL 45218 - Scanned copy of original Loading List (operational...