42-29782 in aluminum with 1331 tail code

[AVB782BA]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had any additional information about this photograph of 42-29782 in flight.

This scan was posted on a Facebook group "Fans of the B-17 Flying Fortress" around June 2019. I apparently misplaced the file where I recorded who posted the image, and searching through that group's archives now I am unable to re-locate the original post. I'd like to find the photo’s source to try to get it in higher resolution, but so far no luck.

I’m curious about the meaning of the "1331" tail code, and if it could be used to narrow the date of the photo. The 1331 doesn't seem to be there in published photos of 782 on display at Stuttgart, and I don't know if it would be a Moses Lake feature or also apply to Drew Field.

I also wonder if the smudge under the cheek windows is another number, or part of the "Great White Bird" name?

Thanks for any info,
Jon Davis

[aerovin2]

I'm hoping one of our two training B-17 tail code experts can help out here...

[terveurn]

Great shot of 42-29782, adds to the accident photo already posted on Aero Vintage.

The name "Great White Bird"" was post WWII so that eliminates that question

the field code 1331 was applied when assigned to the 396th BG (RTU) when assigned to Mose Lake AAF and continued after the group transferred to Drew AAF in the Fall of 1943.

After late March / early April 1944, the 3rd AF converted over to the AAFBU system and the 396th BG (RTU) was redesignated 327th AAFBU.

She is missing her two letter identification code that was assigned to the field code of 1331. The first number indicates first squadron of the 396th BG (which would also be designated by unpainted / white engine cowl rings).

So, this photo on first glance would be from early 1944 to late March 1944 - after that date, she should have full field codes for Drew AAF on her rear fuselage (a D followed by identification number / letter)

Photo of her with her original field code of "BA"

42-29782 Mose Lake.jpg

Correct placement of tail code at Mose Lake

42-3323 Moses Lake and Gulfport.jpg

Drew AAF markings

Drew B-17.jpg

[AVB782BA]

Thank you for the explanation of the field code, and the date range for the photo. The Drew markings diagram is helpful, as is an earlier Moses Lake diagram you posted on this forum a while ago.

Could the lack of the two-letter ID code in the photo be due to 782's use as the "GP" aircraft?

For the "Great White Bird" name, has it been confirmed that it was added at Stuttgart? The Museum of Flight's "B-17 Remembered" book claims the name was already there at Altus, but then that was written 23 years ago.


Thanks again,

Jon

[terveurn]

Jon

The stateside training codes for the B-17's is an ongoing research between myself and a few others on Aerovintage.

I am 80% convinced (no written confirmation just observation) that the 4-digit codes were only applied in Florida after the group first moved - the McDill B-26's also used a similar marking system, the question becomes now was that part of the Mose Lake side codes.

Have seen a lot of Drew ships with both the two letter codes along with the 4-digit codes, we also have the accident photo that only shows the two letters. The only confirming paperwork I have is the change over in late March 1944 to the Drew side codes D - letter Number.

So I pretty much stand with your photo being early 1944 - March 1944.

The last piece of the puzzle now is what was 42-29782's Drew field codes after April 1944

[Chris Brame]

Correct placement of tail code at Moses Lake

42-3323 Moses Lake and Gulfport.jpg

Something I hadn't seen before: Looks like the "BM" code is repeated on the bomb bay doors. Was this unique to Moses Lake?

[terveurn]

Chris

No 100% sure the 4-digit number was Mose Lake -- do a search for 3rd AF B-26 (especially MacDill) and you will find the same 4-digit numbering system

The Square-numbered B-17 also had the Square-number repeated on the bomb bay doors.

Square 45.jpg

Square 22.jpg

TB-26.JPG