My father flew 30 missions with the 91st Bomb Group out of RAF Bassingbourn. The tail code was "Triangle A" and was assigned to the 1st Combat Bomb Wing, 1st Air Division. The Mighty Eighth! Thanks, Pop -- for everything.
I still can't even begin to fathom how some of those B-17s made it home, some so badly damaged you wouldn't think they could even fly. What a machine.
Hallowed ground, indeed. My father worked in the control tower at Polebrook from '43 until the end of the war. He loved England and the people there. For a lad like him from a ranch in Montana, his experiences at Polebrook helped define the rest of his life.
This is wonderful - thank you so much. I will definately model the B17 both in Radio Controlled format and as a plastic static model. Awesome sound too.
Thank you. My Dad was a Navigator on B17s out of Polebrook. He died five years ago. Thank you for giving me a little piece of him and all of the other brave people who fought for us.
On his second mission, February 20, 1944, Staff Sergeant Mathies participated in a heavy bombardment at Leipzig, Germany. His ship was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters. For his heroism and devotion to his comrades on that date, he was awarded the nation's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
He was assigned to the 510th Bomb Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, based at RAF Polebrook, England, promoted to staff sergeant February 17, 1944, and died three days later.
i think if you did a bit of research you'll find that clarke gable only flew 5 missions because, he thought if he was ever shot down over germany hitler would put him in a cage and humileate him infront of the world.
What a fantastic piece of Video history, the post take off formation footage is incredible- it really brings home to me the scale of these operations and the bravery of all those heroic young men.
Yes, you are right, Clark was stationed at Polebrook Army Air Field, England, in 1943. He was a waist gunner. And yes, he was sent there to make a recruiting film. I Just happened to have a copy of
"America in WW2" Magazine, Feb 2008, and Clark Gable is on the Cover. As Lt. Clark Gable. They did a Story on him. If you can, try to get a copy. It's got some other good stuff in there too.
I walked the hallowed ground of Polebrook airfield in 2005. God bless all the brave airmen and groundcrews who worked and took to the skies from this station. They are not forgotten. Thank you for the remembrance.
My father flew 30 missions with the 91st Bomb Group out of RAF Bassingbourn. The tail code was "Triangle A" and was assigned to the 1st Combat Bomb Wing, 1st Air Division. The Mighty Eighth! Thanks, Pop -- for everything.
B17Boy 2 months ago
This makes my chest swell with pride!
keithowarduff 6 months ago
I still can't even begin to fathom how some of those B-17s made it home, some so badly damaged you wouldn't think they could even fly. What a machine.
rossmum 7 months ago
Gunner 17470 -- Are you aware of any other footage of Polebrook Airfield, or of how to find that footage?
Aphidboy 7 months ago
Hallowed ground, indeed. My father worked in the control tower at Polebrook from '43 until the end of the war. He loved England and the people there. For a lad like him from a ranch in Montana, his experiences at Polebrook helped define the rest of his life.
Aphidboy 8 months ago
This is wonderful - thank you so much. I will definately model the B17 both in Radio Controlled format and as a plastic static model. Awesome sound too.
sjbwebb71 1 year ago
Nothing like the B-17 with some P-51 backup
Red1Six 1 year ago
Thank you. My Dad was a Navigator on B17s out of Polebrook. He died five years ago. Thank you for giving me a little piece of him and all of the other brave people who fought for us.
cheswilson 1 year ago
@cheswilson It's a small world, after all. My father probably watched your father's B17 take off and land.
Aphidboy 8 months ago
This brings back memories as I used to see and hear this sound every morning as I cycled to work. We also use to count them back in the evenings
lizzielily1 1 year ago
On his second mission, February 20, 1944, Staff Sergeant Mathies participated in a heavy bombardment at Leipzig, Germany. His ship was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters. For his heroism and devotion to his comrades on that date, he was awarded the nation's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
He was assigned to the 510th Bomb Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, based at RAF Polebrook, England, promoted to staff sergeant February 17, 1944, and died three days later.
CASPER10666 1 year ago
5 * * * * *
petrwarry72 1 year ago
Brave boys
blockthehood 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I have posted an interview on my channel with a survivor of the Dresden bombing which may be of interest to some of you.
alanheath 1 year ago
i think if you did a bit of research you'll find that clarke gable only flew 5 missions because, he thought if he was ever shot down over germany hitler would put him in a cage and humileate him infront of the world.
snufu 2 years ago
What a fantastic piece of Video history, the post take off formation footage is incredible- it really brings home to me the scale of these operations and the bravery of all those heroic young men.
captaintoad 2 years ago
AWESOME VIDEO,GREAT SOUND!!!!!
eromnoops1 2 years ago 4
Great little pic ,thanx Gunner. Been here quite a few times. Its great to see how it was as an operational airfield.
raherecolston 2 years ago
Yes, you are right, Clark was stationed at Polebrook Army Air Field, England, in 1943. He was a waist gunner. And yes, he was sent there to make a recruiting film. I Just happened to have a copy of
"America in WW2" Magazine, Feb 2008, and Clark Gable is on the Cover. As Lt. Clark Gable. They did a Story on him. If you can, try to get a copy. It's got some other good stuff in there too.
pjezierski 2 years ago
It didnt carry the most or fly the farthest but it damn sure looked better than any other piston bomber made. In my opinion. Wish I could fly one.
specklebelly23 3 years ago
I walked the hallowed ground of Polebrook airfield in 2005. God bless all the brave airmen and groundcrews who worked and took to the skies from this station. They are not forgotten. Thank you for the remembrance.
hd74man 3 years ago 13
fantastic filming.
Thanks for posting.
100thbombgroup 4 years ago
Another Awesome treasure !
bobtonja 4 years ago