Attached is a photograph of 'bombs gone', taken on mission #2 of the 8th AAF heavy bombers to Abbeville/Drucat Airfield, 19th August 1942, where 22 B17s dropped 34 tons of bombs. This mission occupied enemy fighters, while 5000 Allied troops, mostly Canadians, raided Dieppe, in France.
 
It is the first offensive mission to be flown by B17 bombers from Polebrook Airfield, Northamptonshire, England.
 
After leaving for North Africa, Polebrook Airfield was soon to occupied by the 351st Bomb Group, who remained there until the end of the war in Europe.
 
Most information and photographs I have of Polebrook Airfield eminate from this Group.
 
Can anyone guide me towards where I can find more information about Polebrook Airfield and its occupation by the 97th Bomb Group?
 
Thankyou.
 
 


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I was interested in your posting about Polebrook.  I was wondering if you could give me a little more information about a particular squadron you were interested in or if you had a relative that was there.
 
My uncle was with the 341st Bomb Sq. and arrived in England mid-1942 and was there until November when they were being moved to North Africa.  He was killed Nov. 17th enroute to N. Africa when the B-17 he was on developed engine trouble and crashed in the Bay of Biscay.  My uncle was a top turret gunner.
 
I have information about the crash and rescue efforts, but I would like to find out about the missions he flew prior to his death.  I have a few sources about the 341st-general missions, etc. and would recommend to you the 97th Bomb Group History Book - Venit Hora.
 
If you find some information, I would be very interested in what you learn.  I'm always hoping to find someone who might have known my uncle
(Sgt. Welcome L. Talbot) or learn about some of his missions etc.
 
Good luck and I would like to hear from you.
 
Jan

Hello Jan, Unfortunately I don't think I will be able to share much more information that you have already, and none further for your uncle, Sgt. Welcome L. Talbot. I have the 97th Group Book, The Hour has Come, so thankyou for that recommendation.
 
I live in England, only a few miles from Polebrook Airfield. There is a very fine memorial to the 351st BG here but nothing of rememberance to the 97th BG. Although they were only stationed here a few months it still seems a shame.
 
Much of the station has disappeared since the end of the war as farmland has returned to dominate this remote area in the English countryside.
 
Attached is a photograph of members of the 97th on parade, on the field, photographed at Polebrook in 1942, with the J2 hangar in the background. The hangar remains today and is used for the storage of crops.
 
I would love to see any other photographs of the 97th BG occupation of Polebrook.


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