Many four engine British AVRO Lancaster bombers with engines running as they prepare to depart from the UK on a nighttime bombing mission over Germany, during the 2nd World War.
B-17 aircraft of the 91st Bomb Group leave heavy contrails as they proceed, at 25 thousand feet, toward their target, Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Animated map showing Plan of the Day for 1 thousand Allied aircraft in coordinated raids, including some intended to fool the enemy. Plans of attack by Allied, so-called, Blue, Green and White forces, that include B-24s, B-17s, B-26s, and P-47 and RAF Spitfire fighter escorts. The B-17s of the 91st Bomb Group are part of the Plan of the Day.
Airmen and ground crews at RAF Bassingbourn airfield anxiously await return of 91st Bomb Group B-17s from their bombing mission over Wilhelmshaven, Germany. They engage in various diversions as they wait. Flare from a returning B-17 signals wounded aboard. An ambulance races out to meet the aircraft after landing. Injured are helped into the ambulance. A dead crewman is covered. A gunner receives blood plasma. (World War II period).
Mission footage outtakes from the film "Memphis Belle". Crews and officers on ground waiting for B-17 mission to return. B-17 formation overhead as planes come in. Ground personnel greeting B-17 crews as they come in. Crew of B-17 Flying Fortresses near a hangar in England. United States Air Force General Curtis Le May talks to the crews. A crowd around B-17 with painted name "Southern Comfort." Crew member standing on engine of Southern Comfort taking notes. Damaged rudder of the B-17. Crews also around a B-17 with painted name "Boom Town Jr."
Mission footage outtakes from the film "Memphis Belle". B-17 Flying Fortresses in flight. Close side view of pilot in cockpit of a B-17. He wears ear phones and an oxygen mask. B-17 aircraft fly in formation. Cameraman shoots through a side window. An aerial view of the B-17 base in England. (World War 2 period.)
Footage outtakes from the film "Memphis Belle". A United States Army Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress parked at a base in England. A mechanic works on the engine of the plane. Trees in the area.