Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Schweinfurt, Augsburg, Friedrichshafen, these were some of the centres of enemy war production that had received shattering blows since the 8th U.S.A.A.F first attacked in Europe on Aug 11th 1941. High altitude flying demanded warm clothing. Men of the 8th don their electrically heated suits which plugged into the planes circuit. (1) A gunner loads ammunition belts (2). Back to England after another successful raid, one of the flyers welcomes the home ground. (4) Job done and feeling tired some of this crew can’t wait to reach their beds so decide to hit the tarmac for a well earned nap. (3) Hit by flak, a propeller of this Flying Fortress flew off and embedded itself in the wing, (5) but the bomber reached base safely.
First official raid by AAF forces was flown by 27th BG / 15th BS on Independence Day 1942. First AAF Aircraft crashed in Europe was on July 4th 1942. This was the Boston III # AL677 - MQ*P ,27th BG / 15th BS. 3 KIA, 1 POW. No MACR. search T/R number search T/R number
