Seattle Sue Bassingborne

LoofyBoy · 10-07-2007, 08:02 AM

Hi - I'm new to the forum. Trying to find any info on B17G Seattle Sue and our uncle BTG Robert J. Dobson (Jersey City). We know Seattle Sue collided with The Thumper (Seattle Sue crew all KIA) over Pilsen on 25th April 194?. Any photos anywhere? Many thanks.

ccheese · 10-07-2007, 08:13 AM

Lofty: Welcome to the Forum. I did find this:

B-17G #43-38178 (FR-P) "Seattle Sue" was assigned to the 379th Bomb Group, 525th Bomb Squadron. The aircraft was damaged in a mid-air collision over Pilsen on 4/25/45 with B-17G #43-38272 (FR-D) "The Thumper". Pilot of "Seattle Sue" was Clair W. Evans, all 9 were KIA. "The Thumper" was piloted by James M. Blain and his aircraft managed to crash land in Allied territory, no casualties reported in one source, another reports the tail gunner was killed.

Crew for "Seattle Sue" - no missing air crew report filed. Apparently with being so late in the war and Allied lines so far forward, the crash site was probably within Allied Territory. Suggest you pursue a 293 file from the Dept of the Army, details in our research section. Crew of Seattle Sue:

P 2Lt Clair W. Evans Grand Rapids, MI
CP 2Lt Dennis F. Lang Stockton, CA
N FO Abraham (NMI) Teller Bronx, NY
B FO Leland A. Slane Columbus, OH
TT Sgt Norman B. Cooler Kingstree, SC
RO Sgt William B. Fanning Forest Hills, NY
BT Sgt Robert J. Cobson Jersey City, NJ
TG Sgt Victor L. Stewart Waterford, OH

Suggest you contact the 379th Bomb Group association for further details, info here:
heavybombers.com: The Leading Military Aircraft Site on the Net

Charles

evangilder · 10-07-2007, 08:52 AM

You might get ahold of the 379th BG Association. They often have info that goes beyond the official records. The 379th Association is here:

: News

syscom3 · 10-07-2007, 10:48 AM

The title of this thread looked like the city of Seattle was suing Bassingbourne.

LoofyBoy · 10-10-2007, 01:11 PM

Many thanks to all your welcome response. I'm now hot on the trail. Best wishes Pam