B-17 Operations
The B-17 was referred to by the Japanese as "A fighting plane for all purposes" and never was a description better earned than for the B-17. The legend operated in all theatres of WWII and continued to soldier on post war in some interesting and unorthodox roles.
01
Baptism of Fire with the British
The first use of the Fort in anger was by the British. The machine that would become legend was pushed to its limits in its first battles
02
The B-17 in the Pacific
Although ultimately replaced by it's longer legged cousin the B-24, the B-17 gave a good account of itself in the early days of the Pacific Theatre or Operations (PTO).
03
B-17s Over The Reich
The European Theatre of Operations (ETO) - the main show - the epitome of B-17 operations in WWII. The B-17 was at the heart of the largest air battles in history, fought over the Reich against a valiant Luftwaffe. The days of chivalry in the air were gone, but bravery and grit were in plentiful supply
04
B-17s in the Mediterranean
Although often overshadowed by operations in Northern Europe, a significant number of B-17s operated in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO). In this theatre the machines not only had to contend with the enemy, but also dusty airstrips and cyclopean mountain ranges.
