B-17E 41-9234

[Steve Birdsall]

I'm hoping somebody here can help me with a fairly obscure detail about B-17E 41-9234 (and 41-9196, 41-9235 and 41-9244 for that matter).

In the photo below of Alley-Oop you can see the "standard" factory-applied data block on a contemporary B-17E . . . US ARMY - MODEL B-17E, AIR CORPS SERIAL NO. 41-9216, CREW WEIGHT 1200 LBS and so on . . .



I'm trying to find out what this was replaced with, altered to or supplemented with on 41-9234 and other B-17Es that were originally meant to go to the Royal Air Force. It may or may not have included the words "United Kingdom Government".

I'd guess that people who were familiar with the wreck in earlier times - Charles Darby, Richard Leahy, Bruce Hoy might have checked this out, and hopefully photographed it. It probably never seemed important, because the wreck was fully identified and the British insignia explained, but I need to know to help me identify the aircraft in some 19th Bomb Group photos that have recently been found.

Steve Birdsall

[Daniel Leahy]

I'm not sure about the B-17s, but I know US aircraft (P-51 and B-24) that served with the RAAF retained the US serial in these stamps. These are however late war aircraft, so I don't know if the earlier aircraft kept them.

The problem will be those aircraft which were delivered direct to the UK from the factory (ie, not lend-lease) as these would not have been allocated USAAF serials.

[Jeff Weaver]

Hi Steve,

I found your posting regarding the Alley Oop, ID # 41-9216 and there is supposed to be a photo in your message string of the Alley Oop, but there is just an image placeholder. I would love to see this photo, and any other information you have have on this plane or her crew. My Grandfather, James P. Weaver was a member of the 11th BGH, 42nd Squadron - Master Sergeant - and was a crew member on the Alley Oop, based out of Hickam Field. He was at the base on December 7th, 1941 and flew missions over the South Pacific, including the Solomon Islands and participated in the ground campaign at Guadalcanal. I have two nose photos of the Alley Oop from his old albums. These are the only images I am aware of this plane. Maybe you have more?

Sincerely,

Jeff Weaver

[GordyB2]

As requested in such a nice way

Best
Gordy

[GordyB2]

Per 41-9234 it does have a enlarged mysterious script per Data Block that may answer your question Steve

Refer: Paul Cool Collection Photo

Best
Gordy