Richard Ernest Evans

Military
UPL 80219 UPL 80219 Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery with the crew of his specially outfitted B-17E the "Theresa Leta". His pilot, then Capt. Richard E. Evans, is the man standing to the far right of the photograph. Taken June 23, 1943 by 2nd Lt. Wesley Hudson, photographer USAAC

Cropped from image media-20030.jpeg (media id 21523)
Information from daughter, Barbara Evans Kinnear

Object Number - UPL 80219 - Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery with the crew of his specially outfitted B-17E the "Theresa Leta". His pilot, then Capt. Richard E. Evans, is...

Richard Ernest Evans grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. He started his flying career graduating from the Primary Flying School, Love Field, March 21, 1940, Class of 40-E. He continued his flight training, transferred to Flight #8 Advanced Training Squadron II, Advanced Training Group 1, South Eastern Training Center, Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL. He was a navigation and pilot instructor until finally his request for overseas transfer was confirmed. He was transferred with Commander, Col. Fay Upthegrove, 99nth BG to N. Africa.

The 99nth BG departed West Palm Beach, FL on February 5, 1943, and arrived February 17, 1943, at Yundum Field, Bathurst, Gambia, having stopped at Puerto Rico, British Guiana (Guyana), Belem, Brazil and Natal, Brazil. It took the 99th BG 11 hours, 45 minute to fly across the Atlantic. He piloted many B-17s over N. Africa, Sicily, Italy and German occupied territories for 54 missions. Between June 13 to around August 5, 1943, Captain Evans was Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery's pilot. He flew the general at other various times until the end of 1943. The B-17E (#41-9082) "Theresa Leta" was given to Montgomery so he could travel more efficiently and safely between his staff and army.

After flying 54 missions, Richard was transferred to the states to take pilot training for the B-29. He flew his B-29 to Tinian March, 1945. He flew one mission over Japan with the 316th Bomb Wing in the Pacific.

Richard retired to the Air Force reserves months after the Japanese surrendered only to be asked to fly again when the Korean war began. He continued in the Air Force flying the B-47, B-52, and he became the B-58 Test Squadron Commander. Richard retired in 1959 from the Air Force. He passed away June 13, 2006.

Before he died Richard wrote 21 chapters with humor and humility about his experiences flying the B-17 throughout the N. African/Sicilian/Italian campaign, his relationship with "Monty," his stories about growing up in Tennessee and early USAAC flight training.

His book, "Richard Eager" A Pilots story from Tennessee Eagle Scout to General Montgomery's "Flying Fortress," was published July 2021. This book may be found on-line with most book sellers in the USA and UK.

Connections

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

Units served with

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-29473) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle" of the 347th Bomb Squadron, 99th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force during a mission over Turin. Official caption on image: "26599 A.C." Handwritten caption on reverse: '15th AF, 99th BG, 347th BS.' Printed caption on reverse: '26599 AC - A picturesque coastline in the Mediterranean forms a backdrop for a USAAF Flying Fortress on its way to bomb the vital Turin, Italy ball bearing plane on Nov. 8. This plane is one of a large formation whic
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9082) formerly of the 12th Air Force gifted to General Montgomery by General Dwight D Eisenhower. Printed caption on reverse: 'British Official Photograph. BNA 2147. War Office Photograph. Crown Copyright Reserved. General Montgomery Backs His 8th Army - And Wins A Flying Fortress. As a sequel to a wager made some weeks ago with an American General that the 8th Army would be in Sfax by the 15th April, 1943, General Montgomery, G.O.C. 8th Army, was presented with a
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Theresa Leta
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Wongo
  • Unit: 5th Bomb Wing 483rd Bomb Group 99th Bomb Group 346th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: 2nd Patches
  • Unit: 99th Bomb Group 346th Bomb Squadron

Places

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Annaba
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Catania–Fontanarossa Airport
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Foggia "Gino Lisa" Airport
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Ahmed Ben Bella Airport

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Knoxville, TN 19 January 1919

Died

Rolling Hill Estates, CA 16 June 2006

Revisions

Date
Changes
Sources

Barbara Evans Kinnear, daughter

Date
Changes
Sources

Barbara Evans Kinnear, dauhter

Date
Changes
Sources

Barbara Evans Kinnear, daughter

Date
Changes
Sources

Notes from daughter, Barbara Evans Kinnear

Date
Changes
Sources

1. Unpublished memoirs from Col. Richard E. Evans
2. Remembered stories from Barbara Evans Kinnear, Col. Evans's daughter
3. Photograph of Field Marshall Bernard L. Montgomery with the crew of the B-17E "Theresa Leta" with then Capt. Richard E. Evans. Photograph taken June 23, 1943 by 2nd. Lt. Wesley Hudson, given to B. E. Kinnear by Wesley J. Hudson

Date
Changes
Sources

1. Stories written by Col. Richard E. Evans. Unpublished memoirs
2. Stories remembered by Barbara Evans Kinnear, Col. Evans's daughter
3. Photograph of General Montgomery with the B-17E "Theresa Leta" crew with Capt. Evans taken by 2nd Lt. Wesley Hudson, June 23, 1943, provided by his son, Wesley J. Hudson

Richard Ernest Evans: Gallery (3 items)