media-408493.jpg FRE 3862 The wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5888) nicknamed "Elusive Elcy" of the 94th Bomb Group flies off as a result of a direct hit, during a mission over Emden.

Handwritten caption on reverse: '94 BG. 27/9/43.'

Printed caption on reverse: 'A DRAMATIC INCIDENT DURING THE AIR WAR OVER EUROPE: A WING BREAKS OFF A FLYING FORTRESS DURING A DAYLIGHT BATTLE, AND THE STRICKEN BOMBER BEGINS TO TURN OVER AS IT STARTS ON THE WAY DOWN TO EARTH. This picture illustrates one of the hazards which the big American bombers have to face daily in their attacks on Germany and German-occupied Europe. A formation of Fortresses were flying over heavy cloud towards their objectives when they were attacked with disastrous results for one of their number. Whether as the consequence of an onslaught by fighters or by flak, the Fortress at the top of the picture was hit: half a wing broke off – it can be seen clearly in the air – and flame appears to be coming from the remaining half. The bomber has already begun to turn over, just as the plane begins to dive down to earth. If conditions are favourable the crew may be able to take to their parachutes before the inevitable crash. Meanwhile the remainder of the formation ploughs on steadily towards the target. Despite the danger of heavy losses, the daylight bombing by the American Air Forces is steady reducing Germany’s capacity to wage war, because of the precision methods which can only be applied when the target below is clearly visible to the bombers above.'
On reverse: US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamp]. 289587. [Censor no.] Roger Freeman Collection

Added paragraphs for legibility.