B-17 research help

The codes were used to denote wings, groups and squadrons, much like we used tail codes on our fighters during Vietnam and even today.

Here's a link to get you started:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAAF_unit_identification_aircraft_markings#509th_Composite_Group

You could also check with the Air FOrce Museum or especially the Smithsonian.  They might have some information on that aircraft.

I've only done some brief searches, but everything I've found so far suggests that "Miss Beahavin" (S/N-43-37901) belonged to 487BG/837BS and carried the codes 4F-B

Doesn't sound like the 497th BG.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/497th_Bombardment_Group

But the 836th BS does fit your codes, although out of order. 

http://www.487thbg.org/Markings.shtml

And there is an Association for the 487th.

http://www.487thbg.org/

And, wow, look at those spinners!

http://www.487thbg.org/Photos/MissBeaHavin2.shtml

And a more general image of Miss Bea Havin.  Note the code for this aircraft is listed as 4F-B.

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/10339

Further research will probably turn up the discrepancies. 

Gary

PS> This group had an interesting paint scheme, if anyone is interested in such things.

http://www.487thbg.org/Stories/aircraft%20markings%20487th%20Bomb%20Group.pdf

Yes it is possible for more than one aircraft to have the same code letters in the group. But not at the same time. Two characters are the squadron identifier code, while the third character is the individual aircraft ID letter. Those are assigned once the aircraft is in a Squadron. The serial number is assigned at the factory, with the first two digits being the fiscal year that the aircraft was ordered. If aircraft 43-1234 is assigned code AB*C and is lost, damaged beyond repair, worn out, or replaced for some other reason, replacement aircraft 44-9876 can take over code AB*C. 

Interesting what you can find out on the internet. 

Because of the note on this image: http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/10339

I checked the serial number of the MIA aircraft.

3415 (390th BG, 571st BS, "Mis Behavin") hit by the crashing 42-3328 and both
crashed at Burgsteinfurt, Germany Oct 10, 1943. MACR 859. 9 KIA, 1 POW.

3328 (390th BG, 568th BS, "Miss Furtune") hit by a rocket fired by Obfw Hans Raab
in Bf 110G-2 of ZG 1/2, then collided with 42-3415 and both crashed at
Burgsteinfurt, Germany Oct 10, 1943.  MACR 861.  6 KIA, 4 POW.

I don't know what the relationship is between the earlier "Mis Beahavin" and the later
aircraft, as they were in different bomb groups and squadrons.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Miss Beahavin was my friends dad's 2nd -17. His first was a well used one called the Flying Chapel. It was lost with a replacement crew and replaced with Miss Beahavin. He didn't get into the war until November 44. Stik. I'm thinking that Yankee Maid was lost and the codes were given to Miss Beahavin. I'm going to see if he has the serial number of this plane.

TJ,

Here's a list of flight personnel in the 487th BG /437th BS.  Since you know your friend's last name and that of his dad, see if you can find him in this list.  It gives the aircraft serial number and "call" sign (if known), and if you click on the little picture icon in the list (if there is one) it will bring up a picture of the crew.    A good resource for the modellers here.

http://www.487thbg.org/roster/487thSqd837.htm

Gary

It's amazing how these forums can get such information and historical accuracies.