Thurleigh

Airfield
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.' media-379028.jpg FRE 1162 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.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 1162 - 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...

Built for RAF use in 1941-42, Thurleigh was initially used by RAF Bomber Command before being handed over to the Eighth Air Force. Its runways and hardstandings were improved, and the B-17s of the 306th Bomb Group began using the base. It was their home from 1942 to December 1945. Placed on care and maintenance at the end of the war, the airfield was then used as an aircraft test and development centre until it was sold in 1996.

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15101646
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-669303
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-813001
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
Lieutenant Alexander Kramarinko of the 303rd Bomb Group with the engine of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Passed for publication 16 Dec 1942. Printed caption on reverse: '"Good Old Chi-Town". Lt. Alexander Kramarinko of the Air Corps used to be in the Swiss Dairy Bar at Haywood, Illinois. He lived with his parents at 1931 Potomac Avenue, Chicago andhis fieancee is Miss Jean Neuman at 323 Tremont Ave. Kenmore, N.Y. His very inclusive message is "Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to Good old Chi-Town." O.P.S. sho
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 368th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16035409 and O-661851
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Banshee II
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Terry and the Pirates
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lady Halitosis

Revisions

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

Connected aircraft records that have 'Thurleigh' in their biography fields.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Barry Anderson, Army Air Forces Stations (Alabama, 1985) / Roger Freeman, Airfields of the Eighth Then And Now (London, 1978).

Thurleigh: Gallery (84 items)