The Mighty Eighth Podcast

Look at the state of this. Have to hope it's AI.

B-17G Fortresses of the 381st Bomb Group are escorted by a P-51B of the 354th Fighter Squadron, Summer-Fall 1944

Walk around Lavenham & lunch in the Airman’s bar at the Lavenham Swan. Named in honour of the men of the 487th Bomb group based at near by Air Station 137 during 1944-45. 233 airman from the 487th would lose their lives, many who no doubt had a pint here. History on the walls!

A wounded B-17 waist gunner is tended to by his comrade while in a blood soaked sleeping bag. ✈️

As part of the Eighth Air Force, Paul "Bud" Haedike’s baptism by fire would come fast and hard. As a rookie crew, on their first combat mission, their bomber would be the last plane in formation to pass over the target - A position known as ‘Tail End Charlie’. By the time Haedike dropped his payload the German anti-aircraft positions had zeroed in their 88 millimeter cannons and were able to knock out the number one and two engines on Haedike’s bomber. Through sheer skill and determination the pilot of the crippled bomber made it past the German lines and was able to crash land in Belgium. Haedike would go on to fly 22 more combat missions.

Probably quite useful for the crews of this morning's post! A wartime 'beginners guide' to aircraft engine smoke... and fires! 😱

Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown: a remarkable true story of honor and humanity during World War II.