Hi All-- Trying to ID this particular B-17G by the number 2462 on the nose (and by extension, the crew) and figure out what BG/BS it served in. I'm not an expert--does the number on the nose correspond to the last four of the tail number? Or was this a squadron-specific number somehow with no connection to the A/C number? What's the "8902" on the placard in front of the men? A crew number? Is there anywhere to research that? Looks like the cowlings are a different color than the fuselage--red perhaps? Based on the unis I'd guess ETO. Pic attached. TIA Adam
Looking at: Boeing B-17 serial numbers the 8902 could be the C/n of the aircaraft as it corresponds to: This site: 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-30032 to 42-39757) has the following looking at 2462 Not an expert so may or may not be related. B-17 Serial Numbers From 1942 All US Military A/C S/N's 1908 to Present might also be of some use. *** edit for *** It lead to this site: USASC-USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Military Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to Present Which contained: This book might also be prove useful: https://www.amazon.com/B-17-Nose-Art-Name-Directory/dp/1580072259 In any case our experts should be along shortly to tell you where I've gone wrong. Hopefully you'll succeed. Let us know if you find the info elsewhere pls.
The numbers on the nose are most likely the last 4 of the s/n as was common on training aircraft. The crew photo was probably taken stateside so the aircraft probably did not go overseas with the crew. A likely candidate is 42-102462, B-17G-50-BO. 42-102462 | American Air Museum in Britain The 8902 on the placard is probably a reference for the photographer to match the photo with his notes on the crew. I have seen a few where it was a crew number but those usually read "Crew XXXX" rather than just the bare number.