Bears in Suffolk? "Roscoe-Ann" 8th Air Force Mascot

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by Guy Hudson, Oct 20, 2021.

  1. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

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    569th Bomb Squadron, 390th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, mascot Roscoe-Ann based at Framlingham in Suffolk.
    © I.W.M. Collections FRE 1560


    "He" was flown from the States in the radio room of Lt. Becker's Flying Fortress.
    Roscoe was gifted to Lt George Nelson by a park ranger when "he" was a cub, after Nelson, and 11 other officers were inducted into the Blackfeet Indian Tribe.

    "He" enjoyed life at Parham, having free run of the base, and choice of the bunks to sleep in. Eventually it was discovered that Roscoe was actually female, so she was renamed Roscoe Ann!

    As she grew older and more adventurous Roscoe Ann would wander into local villages, where she would delight the local children and terrorised the local church. Unfortunately she developed a love for sweets which led to health problems. Six months after joining the 390th at Parham she had to be put down, the officer who had the unfortunate job of doing this, claimed it was the toughest assignment he ever had.

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    © I.W.M. Collections FRE 13644
     
    Dave55, brithm and Owen like this.

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