I have read that there is a film similar to Doc furniss war that was made at Chelveston.
Does anyone know where i may obtain a copy
Thank you.
 

    Hi DKP
 
I have a copy of the original Memphis Belle DVD which was made by the AAF on 8mm cine film during the WW11. I think this may be what you are looking for? It was made at Chelveston.
Incidentally I live at Higham Ferrers for the record
 
Regards
dakota  

Hi,
Thank you.
 
Is this the genuine 8mm film and not the comercial film??
If so please reply with details and price.
Thank you
dkp

Hi dkp
 
You can watch the original memphis belle doc on the internet for free, you can view on you tube website also by typing memphis belle in the search box. I believe a sizable chunk of the original film was shot at chelveston (take off scenes and when the b-17's return from thier mission)
 
also, if you are interested, on you tube are a number of clips shot at poddington which is worth watching 
regards
mart

Hello Derek
 
The Wyler movie has been talked about before on AAF... but to say again....
 
The MEMPHIS BELLE William Wyler film was shot between Chelveston and the 91st BG Bassingbourne. I would estimate 75-80%, from watching it several times, most of ground shots were Bassingbourne; although there are odd five second inserts here and there of distant shots from Chelveston site and surround perimeter. On the aircraft side, its more evenly balanced, on occassion in favour of th 305th. Particularly the take off sequences. You can clearly see ships lifting off with 'JJ' 'XK' and 'KY' fuselage ID's as they take off for what is the films central mission story. These being 422nd, 365th and 366th Sqn Chelveston planes. Some of the nose art shots are mixed between 91st and 305thBG. most famous 422nd-305th ship in that sequence is OLD BILL.
 
It would be an error to say it was filmed a Chelveston without saying it wa a collection of footage, actually taken from both bases. Why? Because at that time a number of ships were neck and neck heading towards the 25th mission target as well as several crews from both goups. I'm told our own Allen V. Martini of MARTINI AND THE COCKTAIL KIDS was just one mission short, his 24th, and regrettably for him and the 305th missed out on this iconic title.
 
When Wyler was reaching the final stages of the movie, realising it would be Morgan and his men that would be the main feature, he concentrated logically on using footage from Bassingbourne. However, so much 'good' footage was taken throughout filming at both bases, he naturally was spoiled for choice and did select several shots from the 305th to cut into the finished movie.
 
Several of the combat photographers assigned at the 305th became part of Wyler's team, riding on several ships at various times collecting combat footage with colour film from Wyler, for use by Wyler in what would be his finshd movie. A great deal more out takes were liberated from the cutting room floor when the reels were first developed in the field, especially by Dan McGovern. Some of this survices, much more was sadly lost in a hose fire at Dan's home in the 1970's. I beleive what Dan had he donated to the 8th AF Savannah museum which they use in the mission experience section.
Hope this helps
Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Here is a location of the Memphis Belle film in full length.
 
http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/memphis_belle.php
 
It was my first time viewing it and I almost got the feeling of what the men really went through during their missions.
 
Iggy

John Ingianni, MSgt, Ret. USAF 1968 - 1989

Half Brother
Sgt Wallace Robert Ingianni
305th BG, 365th BS
A/C# 43-38803 XK-O, B-17 G
Pilot Lt. James E. Lauback
MACR # 13877
9 KIA April 10, 1945
A/C crashed near Wilsnack , GE

Thank you for the info. I shall certainly look into this. have been looking for a long time.
Has anyone found any info on B17 Thar she Blows which i saw at Chelveston?
Thank you all once again.
DKP