Posted By Gus Mencow on August 17, 2005 at 10:06:09:
In Reply to: 17 AUGUST 1943 THE SHUTTLE MISSION TO REGENSBURG AND NORTH AFRICA posted by Keith on August 16, 2005 at 22:03:03:
: ON AUGUST 17, 1943, 146 B-17's were dispatched to Regensburg,Germany--Allied strategic bombing reached central parts of the Third Reich, and the Messerschmitt Central Plant at Regensburg, Germany, was Bombed. Every important building in the complex was damaged; the surviving allied aircraft continued on to various bases in North Africa. The B-17's landed at a number of different fields other than those scheduled due to battle damage and being critically low on gas. The wing was under constant attack from Antwerp to 30 minutes after leaving the target area. The wing was successful in fooling the Germans by flying on to Africa rather than doubling back through Germany to return to England.
If you can get a copy of the video "Pistol Packin' Mama" there is a graphic description of that mission to Regensburg. I believe that the 390th Museum in Tucson has them for sale. Good luck, Gus