Kenneth Elsden

Civilian
media-40633.jpeg UPL 40633 Members of the 303rd Bomb Group paint their signatures on B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24577) at Molesworth.

Construction worker, Kenneth Elsden is in the bottom right hand corner.

Image from page 19 of The First 300, the unit history of the 303rd Bomb Group.

Kenneth Elsden identified by his son, Terry

Object Number - UPL 40633 - Members of the 303rd Bomb Group paint their signatures on B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24577) at Molesworth. Construction worker,...

Kenneth Elsden worked for the construction company William Sindall. The company were based in Cambridge, and worked on the construction of USAAF bases including Molesworth, Chelveston and Grafton Underwood.



From 1939-1954 Kenneth was based at Molesworth, he would travel from his home in Cambridge on Mondays, and stay at his office on the base throughout the week, before returning home on Fridays. He spent many hours in the Officer's Mess with bomber crews who taught him to play craps and pool.



Kenneth's Office where he administered his workforce was close to some of the dispersal points and was near the bend in the road, now the B660.



Kenneth's son remembers: 'He had great respect for the crews and often mentioned their names (Jack Mathis was a name I can recall.'

Connections

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Units served with

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

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-727110
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description
Cambridge

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Information supplied by Terry Elsden, son of Kenneth Elsden, through correspondence with the AAM

Kenneth Elsden: Gallery (2 items)