Squadron: 750th

Tail: unknown

Manufacturer: Vega

Type: G-80

Received at Glatton: from Dow Army Air Field, US on February 4th 1945

Number of Missions: 0

B-17  story: Delivered to Cheyenne, US on December 5th1944; transferred to Hunter Army Air Field, US on December 19th 1944; transferred to Dow Army Air Field, US on January 3rd 1945; assigned to Glatton, UK on February 4th 1945; crashed near Holme, UK on February 6th 1945; salvaged on February 7th 1945

Information: This B-17 crashed just short of the runway. It just arrived at Glatton and was being flown on this test flight prior to qualifying for a mission. All crewmembers were killed and one English civilian named John Ruff. John Ruff was cycling near Holme when the plane crashed and he was severely injured by debris from the crash. One wheel of the aircraft struck him, breaking an arm and both legs and causing severe head injuries.

* The true story about this crash is as followed: The crew had taken a lot of beer up to altitude to get it cold for an officers club party. Upon landing the aircraft crashed killing all on board. Lt. Duane Zemper had just finished lunch with Capt. Kerr (who was flying the plane) and was invited by Capt Kerr to join them.

Photo:

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