Time is flying
and nothing has been posted here since 2001! And here it is 2003. I have been
remiss in my duties. I have two previous e-mails I need to post from 2002,
but for now here is the latest.
I recently received a note from Anthony Rickerby, a UK collecter of WWII clothing
and equipment. He has just added to his collection an A-2
flying jacket.On the back of the size 38 jacket are 'Flying Dutchmen',
a Dutch shoe with a '2' and 70 bomb icons. Additionally, on the front is a
reproduction of the 7th bomb squadron patch and on the left lapel an honorable
discharge pin. Anthony is seeking any info that anyone might have on this
jacket. I wonder if it didn't belong to a ground crewman because of all the
bomb icons on it.
April brought an email from Barbabra Martini, daughter of Angelo Martini. Mr. Martini was one of the groundcrew that kept the Dutchmen and many of the other aircraft flying. Ms. Martini generously sent 11 photos that I have posted on a new page titled 'Groundcrew.'
Ahh, 2001, it's been awhile since the site has had an email, but in March I'm surprised with a note from a Mendlesham resident, Mr. Steve Pickup, who has kindly (thank you!) sent photos of the field as it is now. If anyone recognizes the two buildings in the photos, please let me know. Steve is interested in hearing from veterans that might share stories of their experiences in the town of Mendlesham during the war years. You can contact him by clicking here.
In late November Mike Mucha who lives in Poland e-mailed asking for information on the March 12, 1945 mission to Swinemunde to hit the submarine pens. The 34th sent 38 aircraft including the Dutchmen on that mission with 37 reaching and dropping their ordnance (5x1000 lbs. bombs each). One aircraft aborted with the number 3 engine having problems. Mike and his colleagues maintain a web site with information regarding allied aircraft that are MIA in Poland,but are also very interested in allied air raids over Poland during the war for a possible book. If you have recollections or information regarding raids over Poland you can contact Mike by clicking on his name.
On November 3 I've included a (very) brief biography of my father on the the Links & Thanks page. Additionally, I'd like to mention what a fascinating experience this has been for me. I've been in contact with people that tell me this site has helped open dialogues and helped in research. I've been in touch with Dutchmen crew members, heard from a current resident of Mendlesham and I've learned things of my father that I otherwise would have not known. As Veteran's Day approaches I know this site honors not only my father but all WWII veterans. My father would be the first to say that it took a team and he was but a small cog in a huge machine.
In September I was contacted by Philip Reinders who lives in the Netherlands seeking information on the tactical targets hit on September 17, 1944. The mission the 34th flew was flown in support of the battle for the bridge at Arnhem. The book A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan is based on that fight. The mission was the 34th's first B 17 mission after the transition from B 24's as well as the Dutchmen's maiden voyage. Anyone that can help may contact Phillip him by clicking on his highlighted name here. He and his colleagues hope to publish a book regarding the air support during that battle.
August 30 I received an e-mail from Carol and Lloyd Elliot. Mr. Elliot was a member of the original crew serving as the tail gunner. Because many of the crew were from Pennsylvania the pilot, Claire Zarfoss, christened the aircraft 'Flying Dutchmen.' Original crew members were: Claire Zarfoss, pilot; Jacob Raver, co-pilot; David Greiss, navigator; Reid McCloskey, bombardier; Johnny Singer, flight engineer; Clayton Ervin, ball turret; Rufus Parnell, waist gunner; Floyd Brown, radio operator; Ervin Hanken, top turret; and Lloyd Elliott, tail gunner.
August 11 is the premiere of the two Photo Album pages made possible primarily through the kind contributions of Julian Ramirez, Flying Dutchmen's waist gunner. Included are photos taken stateside in El Paso, Texas.
As of August 1 I've included a Mission Map page showing the 22 locations that my father flew to on combat missions. Not included are the food drop and repatriation missions he participated in during May 1945.
There is one new area to explore as of July 7, 2000 and that is the Strike Photos page, in addition I've added information concerning the April 10, 1945 mission to Stendal that can be found by going to the Fragments page, then to Julian Ramirez's recollection of the mission. In his statement I've highlighted "B-17 going down," by clicking that there is information regarding the 'Gotta Haver' crew being lost on that mission.
Enjoy your visit and remember I'm always happy to receive more information concerning the 34th and would be happy to post photos, stories and the like. Thanks for stopping by a work in progress.
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