B-17 Flying Fortress Relives World War II Memories

Relics and memorabilia of the World War II era were placed on an exhibit in Andover Historical Society’s Open House at Hampshire, United Kingdom last May 12, 2012. Visitors enjoyed a display of classic aircraft, war birds, corporate jets and helicopters. The exhibit was spearheaded by the Federal Aviation Authority. There were even free plane rides for kids in a private aircraft and a chance to meet the Tuskegee Airmen.

Moreover, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s B-17 Flying Fortress “Alumni Overcast” was available for ground tours and flights. The proceeds for this event will go to the Vintage Aircraft Association Chapter 29 which provides an annual scholarship to a young person between 15 and 21 years of age for flight training toward a pilot certificate.

This one time exhibition will feature a small collection of World War II era objects and archival materials that demonstrate Andover’s involvement on the home front and abroad. Most striking, a gas mask and canvas carrying bag along with many photos reveal the reality of war time era.

The B-17 bomber flew around the Bay Area skies with two veterans aboard. Fremont born-and-bred Art Kimber flew 39 combat missions, between January 1945 and May 1945, over northern Italy with the 89th Bombardment Squadron, 340th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force as a B-25 pilot/co-pilot. His squadron’s job was to disrupt the supply lines between Italy and Germany and came to be known as “The Dental Squadron” because of their “bridge work.” Initially based on Corsica, Kimber’s squadron moved its base to Rimini as the battle-lines moved northwards.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engine heavy bomber aircraft developed in the 1930 for the United States Army Air Corps. The B-17 is known as a  heavy and strategic bomber that was primarily employed in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign of World War II against the German industrial and military targets.

To relive your own memories of the World War II with the B-17 Flying Fortress model airplanes, visit Showcase Models and see the many high-quality made aviation collectibles! Get your own now!

Source: http://www.tricityvoice.com