The VIII Bomber Command, 97th Bombardment Group (H) would fly their last mission out of England on October 21, 1942. This would be their 16th combat mission: To bomb the Lorient Submarine Base in France. I have created and attached a 14-page PDF document that details this mission and includes official military documents, photographs, AP release plus footnotes for referenced sources. This material is an extract from the book that I am writing regarding my father's life story (Colonel Rudolph Emil Flack, AAF, photo attached herein), that has a primary focus on his military flying career. This mission resulted in three lost B-17s and their crewmen ... 14 KIA, 15 POW and 1 EVC (Evaded Capture). For all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice, may they rest in peace.
That's very interesting reading and, as has been said, clearly well-researched. Thanks very much for posting it here. Cheers, Pat
A very interesting read indeed ! Many thanks for showing that. There is a very nice memorial on part of the old runway at Polebrook, but this is dedicated to the 351st BG. Sadly no mention of the 97th BG. I do have some photographs of this which I took about 20 years ago, but they are not that good as you can't see the inscription. Also a plaque or two within the church at near by Lutton, but again no mention of the 97th BG. Well not as I remember.
