|
|
|
|
Nose art painted by Ann Haywood
Anerican Red Cross
Aero Club
385th Bomb Group, Great Ashfield, England
HAYBAG ANNIE B-17 42-97280 550th Squadron
According to crew chief Ed Hallisey, this aircraft was given the
title of "Haybag" while still in the States prior to deployment to England.
At Great Ashfield, Ann Haywood was asked to give the Fort a new nose art. She
painted a cartoon of herself complete with sketchbook, brushes, a mug
of steaming coffee (or tea) and the words "Good Ole Gal!"; then added "Annie"
to the title.
"Haybag Annie" survived the war only to overshoot the runway at Valley in Wales
on the return trip to the USA. It was damaged beyond repair and the ten
crew and ten passengers were forced to start their homeward journey all
over again in another aircraft.
© Ray Bowden
|
|