91st Bomb Group, Bassingbourn, England 1942-1945
Digital, Photoshop, Illustrator
13/01/2007
I know this work predominantly focuses on the 91st BG and its various attached Squadrons stationed at Bassingbourn, England throughout 1942 – 1945, but the work is also dedicated to all the U.S.Airmen, Ground crew and personnel who quite often made the ultimate sacrifice - “you will never be forgotten”.
D.Sankey 2007
91st Bomb Group/1st Bomb Wing, Bassingbourn, England 1942-1945
91st Group Insignia: During the month of June (1944), request was made for authorisation and official registration of the group insignia. The design was chosen for the group by Lt. Col. Hare before the 91st ever left the States. Through Col. Hare’s efforts, it was possible to get Walt Disney to make the final design”. Colonel Stanley J. Wray was the Group Commanding officer and he was quick to move his men and aircraft into the relative comfort and luxury of Bassingbourn in October of 1942. They later affectionately termed it 'The Country Club'.
The 91st was comprised of four Squadrons, each having approximately 12 aircraft and 10 crew to each aircraft - less ground crew. The four Squadron's of the 91st consisted of 322nd, 323rd, 324th and the 401st and all were placed within the 1st Bomb Wing. The 91st became only the third B-17 Group to serve with the Eighth Air Force, one of the so-called Pioneer Groups, later to be known by the nickname of 'The Ragged Irregulars'.
My thanks and appreciation to Ray Bowden for extracts taken from his book: Plane Names & Fancy Noses .