WIX Archives
Re: Good Weekend...And Trivia...
Posted by Terence Burns on Sun Jun 02, 2002 02:23:05 PM
In reply top Good Weekend...And Trivia... posted by Joe Scheil on Thu May 30, 2002 11:08:17 PM
: What lost aircraft, crashed or shot down only, is most wor
: thy of discovery, recovery and resurection? And why?
My vote goes for B-17E 41-2446, better known as the "Swamp Ghost" from Charles Darby's book. Not only is this Fort relatively complete, but it's the oldest surviving E model and a combat veteran to boot. 2446 was lost early in the Pacific War, On February 20, 1942, after being shot up during the first mission against Rabaul by the 14th Recon Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group. For you Fortress wonks out there, it also has the distinction of being the last surviving B-17 equipped with the Sperry remote-control ventral turret. Gary Larkins, are you out there??
Oh, and while you're in New Guinea, stop by and pick up the "Grey Ghost" B-17E FL461, which crashed near Black Cat Pass and is a well-known hiking landmark in the area. I've heard it's picked-over, but it might yield some components for -2446.