U.S. 8th Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in England during World War II. Panoramic view of airfield in British countryside. Empty hangars and other buildings. Fields and farms surrounding the airfield. B-17s parked on aprons on the field. B-17s taxiing.
U.S. 8th Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in England during World War II. A weapon trailer with bombs being towed across an area to a B-17. An airman plays harmonica on the trailer loaded with bombs. Ground crew of 8th Air Force fuse bombs near B-17s.
Commander of U.S. Army Forces in Europe, Lieutenant General Jacob Devers, personally congratulates the pilot, Captain Robert K. Morgan, and each crew member of the 8th Air Force B-17 bomber, "Memphis Belle." Commander of U.S. 8th Air Force, Major General Ira Eaker, is present during the ceremony, which is extensively covered by photographers, cinematographers, newsmen and broadcasters. (BBC microphone can be seen.) Some actions are repeated at the request of the military film director on the scene. The name and artwork on the nose of the aircraft is clearly seen as well as the 25 bombs (for missions) and 8 swastikas (for downed German airplanes) painted on the "Memphis Belle" fuselage. (World War II period).
Recognition of the U.S. 8th Air Force crew of the B-17 flying Fortress Bomber, "Memphis Belle" in England during World War II. (The "Memphis Belle" was the first B-17 to complete 25 daylight bombing missions over Germany, with aircraft and crew intact.) Commander of U.S. Army Forces in Europe, Lieutenant General Jacob Devers, reads a citation. Commander of U.S. 8th Air Force, Major General Ira Eaker, stands beside General Devers. Captain Robert K. Morgan, pilot of the aircraft, stands at attention in front of his crew. The "Memphis Belle" name and artwork is seen on the nose of the B-17, as well as part of the 25 bombs and 8 swastikas painted on its fuselage, indicating missions flown and German aircraft shot down. General Devers congratulates the crew and shakes hands with Captain Morgan. This is repeated for the camera. (The "Memphis Bell was flown back to the U.S by a select crew, including Captain Morgan, and took part in War Bond drives to support the war effort.)
U.S. 8th Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress bomber taxiing and taking off at an airfield in England during World War II. POV views from inside cockpit one of the B-17s during taxi and takeoff. Airmen around army trucks and jeeps parked away from the taxiway, as a line of B-17s taxis to the active runway for takeoff.
Activities of U.S. 8th Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in England during World War II. View from inside a B-17. Airmen stand clear as the B-17 taxis along a runway and takes off. View to the rear as the B-17 becomes airborne. Another B-17 in flight. View from inside of B-17 propellers turning.