Us Official Photographs

Battle damaged B-17

battle-damaged Fort at its home base. With the navigator killed, the pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, a photographer observer and four gunners wounded during the 20 minute running fight over the North Sea, "Old Bill," named after the familiar character created by "captain" Bruce Bainsfather, British cartoonist in the First World War, was brought home by the bombardier and two gunners. Over the base, Lt. Whitson, took over the controls and landed the big bomber with useless flaps and a shot-out hydraulic system at a speed in excess of 150 M.P.H.