FRE 1094

IMAGE

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A bomber crew of the 303rd Bomb Group return to base following their 50th mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24605) nicknamed "Knock-Out Dropper". Image stamped on reverse: 'Copyright Planet News.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 17 Nov 1943.' [stamp] and '293244.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. BOMBERS RAID NORWAY IN 77 DEGREES OF FROST AND "KNOCK-OUT DROPPER" WINS THE MARATHON." Fortresses and Liberators of the U.S.A.A.F. flew 500 miles to bomb the molybdenum mines 40 miles east of Stavanger and other targets in Norway. Little flak and no fighters were encountered, but there was a temperature of 77 degrees of frost - 45 below zero - at the height the bombers flew. One of the Fortresses "Knock-out Dropper", became the first U.S. bomber operating from Britain to carry out 50 missions over German occupied territory. Photo Shows:- The crew of "Knock-out Dropper" walking away from their Fortress after the U.S. Army Air Force raid on targets in Norway which completed the bomber's 50th mission over German occupied territory. In the centre, hatless, is 1st. Lt John P. Manning, of Minmespolis, Minn. the pilot on the 50th mission, and on his right wearing peaked cap, the co-pilot, Captain George T Makin, of Portland Oregon. And November 17 1943 PN.'

Connections

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Units

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

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Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection