'The Spotted Cow' B17

[Woolgar]

This is the B-17F “Spotted Cow” Flying Fortress assembly ship of the 384th Bomber Group based at RAF Grafton Underwood in Northamptonshire, England. The assembly ship's mission was to serve as the reference point for hundreds of bombers taking off for a mission to fall into groups for the long flight to the target. As soon as the mass formation would take shape, the assembly ship returned to base. The “Spotted Cow” flew 61 combat missions.

Taken from the excellent 'Fans of the B17' Facebook page

Anyone know of any other pics of Assembly Ships?

Nick

[douglas2496]

Well I have learned something interesting!

[brataccas]

aircraft in its pyjamas

[Woolgar]

aircraft in its pyjamas

..a onesie !

Nick

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

That's very interesting Nick , I found this one on "wiki" called a B24-D Assembly ship or Judas Goat? Strange name in know but that's what it says?? Leon.

[Woolgar]

Thanks Leon!

I wonder what colour scheme that one was, it looks as though it was multi-coloured!


Nick

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Me again Nick! A site called Mighty Eighth Air Force Historial Society of WW2 has a load of bright stripey/spotty mad cap designed images of assembly aircraft of the 8th air force to view!!! I hope they are of interest. Leon.

[brataccas]

Thanks Leon!

I wonder what colour scheme that one was, it looks as though it was multi-coloured!


Nick

sorry couldn't resist X_X

[Woolgar]

Thanks for that link to the 'Mighty Eighth' I think I may join that society!

Nick

[big ned]

There's a book about these out called "Assembly Ships of the Mighty Eighth" that is highly recommended, although quite expensive at around £50+ new. I recently missed out on a secondhand copy on Ebay that went for £40.