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Re: 551 Worry Bird

Posted by craig harris on 1/8/2004, 9:43 pm, in reply to "551 Worry Bird"
66.26.70.81

Sally: We have never 100% certain pinned down the identity of "Worry Bird". Ken Blakebrough is quite certain there was a 551 "Worry Bird" in the 750th Sq. We ARE quite certain that there was a 42-31551 in the 750th, assigned at Wendover and was the only original B-17G on inventory on 06 May 1945. We know for certain it was named "Elizabeth Ann". On the Mission Assignment Board, May 1945 (photo in Roger Freeman's Mighty Eight War Manual, page 9), there is listed in 750th Sq., 42-37551, very plainly, but no 42-31551. Now, here's the problem: 42-37551 was NOT a B-17 serial number. 43-37551 was a B-17G, but it was never in the 457th BG. So, clearly there is something wrong; we think that listing should be 42-31551 instead of 42-37551. I, for one, have reluctantly concluded that 43-31551 was both "Elizabeth Ann" and "Worry Bird". Look for call letter "P" in photo, if you can find one for "Elizabeth Ann". It was left on continent, recovered in June 1945 and flown to USA. Happy Hunting! craig harris

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