|
|
|
|
Nose art painted by Cpl Anthony L Starcer
91st Bomb
Group (Heavy)
Bassingbourn, England
PAPER DOLLY B-17G 42-37746 323rd Squadron
Not all of Starcer's nose art designs used Varga-type pin-up
girls. This one was based on the equally popular "Betty Boop" cartoon
character supplemented with a giant bomb. The same character, in a
different context, was also used by Starcer in his design for another
91st Fort named "Betty Lou's Buggy". Use of cartoons was commonplace
and gave a welcome touch of humour in the midst of wartime
Bassingbourn. The popular song "Paper Doll" spawned the aircraft title
and several cut-out paper dolls were incorporated into the design.
"Paper Dolly" was lost on 22nd February on a mission to the Focke
Wulf plant at Oschersleben. It was flown that day by Frank Kolts crew
who had completed the majority of their tour in the plane.
© Ray Bowden
|
|