<i>Just-a-Snappin'</i> - Tribute to the 100th Bomb Group by Ivan Berryman. (B)

On 8th October 1943, more than 20 B-17 Flying Fortresses took off from Thorpe Abbotts for a raid on the submarine yards at Bremen. Among the aircraft crossing into Europe by mid-afternoon was 23393 LD-Y named Just-a-Snappin', piloted by Captain E E Blakely and carrying the commander of the operation, Major John B Kidd. Hit by a barrage of flak just as they released their bombs, 7 of the aircaft were taken out and lost. Just-a-Snappin' was also badly damaged, but managed to begin limping home on the two remaining left-side engines. After the flak came the fighters. The gunners of Just-a-Snappin' claimed 12 enemy fighters that day but were officially credited with 9 - even this was a record unsurpassed in the entire war. This painting shows the gunners claiming one of the enemy fighters as they cross the coast of Holland. Over the sea, anything was thrown out to reduce weight - the aircraft struggling to maintain altitude at just above stall speed. They headed for the first airfield they spotted, RAF Ludham in Norfolk. On landing, the shattered plane had no control and slid into the largest of the only two trees on the airfield. When the damage was inspected, more than 800 holes were found in the aircraft. Four of the crew were wounded, with Sgt Lester Saunders later succumbing to his injuries.

Small signed limited edition of 30 prints.

Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm)