8thAF Pilots

[Andrew]

I was lucky to win this original photo on Evilbay last night. Such an unsual study, I love the variation in jackets and mixtures of pink and greens. Can't wait to see the real thing. Still, it makes me a bit sad to think that there's at least four families that haven't got really cool pics of their Grandpas.

This is the one i really wanted but my snipe bounced...

 

[Grant]

Andrew, Great photos, thanks for posting. Being an avid bike rider I really like the first photo. I commuted to work this morning wearing my GW Dubow.

 

[bombs away]

Andrew,

Thanks for the pictures.
I was also bidding on the "Sweet 17", but stopped at $53... :evil:

Here is why I tried to catch it :

Tim.

 

[greyhound52]

Tim,
Do you think your jacket belonged to that crew or were their other B-17s with that name? That would be cool if it was the photo of one of the crewmen wearing the jacket you have.

 

[Andrew]

Grant, I liked that aspect also. There's an Irish themed pub down the road that has a bike that's very similar to these fixed to the floor by the front door- i'm sure it's from the period.

Tim, I think my snipe was also $53, but if I had a reason like you I would have doubled it. If I had won it I would have definitely let you have it. That is really cool and surely it is a jacket from a crewmember from that ship- maybe not one pictured but the artwork is basically identical. Matching a jacket to a period shot after all these years would have been such a great connection to make.

 

[TankBuster]

I agree with Andrew, if I had that jacket, it would take alot to get me to stop bidding on that photo. The nice thing is that you at least have the image to go with the jacket now (if you didn't already)! It very well could be the jacket from one of the guys in the photo!?!

 

[bombs away]

Hello guys,

The jacket belonged to a gunner from this b-17 but not from this crew.
That's why I didn't want to pay too much for the picture and I already have a nice copy of this pic.
I'm lucky enough to be in touch with his daughter, the veteran is still alive but his health isn't good at all. So his daughter makes the link between him and me.

Tim.

 

[Stony]

I was lucky to win this original photo on Evilbay last night. Such an unsual study, I love the variation in jackets and mixtures of pink and greens. Can't wait to see the real thing. Still, it makes me a bit sad to think that there's at least four families that haven't got really cool pics of their Grandpas.

So you're the one that outbid me on this photo. I put in my highest bid and wasn't home for the final, which is probably good as I would have kept going higher if I were around.

Glad it went to a forum member anyway.

 

[Andrew]

Sorry bout that Stony, I know the feeling very well myself lately- get my drift JK? :lol:

If I ever decide to sell it's yours.

 

[Stony]

Sorry bout that Stony, I know the feeling very well myself lately- get my drift JK?

If I ever decide to sell it's yours.

I appreciate that Andrew. I have about 50 original pictures of people wearing flight jackets, but haven't added any to the collection in quite a while, but this particular one caught my eye. I like the bikes too.

Cheers!

Stony

 

[EMBLEMHUNTER]

great 323rd Bomb sqd/91st group crew photo,too bad it went so high, it would have been a great addition to go with the crewmans jacket !!!!

 

[Andrew]

The photo finally arrived (the Seller got H1N1 and then Pneumonia apparently). It's great but I can't make out any details which would help id the guys. The only writing is above the doorway but close inspection this looks like the actual letters/ numbers have been removed/ fallen off.

They do look like 8thAF, espcially with the kit and bikes but something about the buildings the shelter design and the dried up gardens doesn't look too Englishy and it make me wonder whether it may even be Algeria/ Italy or similar. Anyone want to offer an opinion?

 

[TankBuster]

Andrew,
Did you buy it from Kurt, Kastauffer? If so, he did really have H1N1 and almost died. He's a really nice guy, and has a super collection. Great photo by the way!

 

[Andrew]

Yes Jeff it was Kurt, I did believe him as it was a pretty good excuse I thought!