Order Helpline (UK) : 01436 820269	You currently have no items in your basket		Buy with confidence and security! Publishing historical art since 1985

Don't Miss Any Special Deals - Sign Up To Our Newsletter! Product Search

Robert Hanson Died : 1 / 10 / 2005

Robert Hanson (deceased) Radio Operator and Gunner on the 'Memphis Belle'. Robert Hanson became a regular member of the crew during their training at Walla Walla, Washington in 1941. He kept a log book of the 'MEMPHIS BELLE' missions. He eventually retired from business to Mesa, Arizona. Robert Hanson, the last surviving crew member of the famed Memphis Belle B-17 bomber of World War II, passed away on October 1st 2005. Robert Hanson recalled 'When we got the tail shot off, Captain Morgan put the ship into a terrific dive and we dropped 2,000 or 3,000 feet. It pretty nearly threw me out of the airplane. 'I hit the roof. I thought we were going down and wondered if I should bail out. Then he pulled up again and I landed on my back. I had an ammunition box and a frequency meter on top of me. I didn't know what was going on. On another bombing run, Mr. Hanson was writing in a logbook when he sneezed, jerking his head. A bullet missed him when he moved and hit the logbook, which he kept the rest of his life.

Items Signed by Robert Hanson (deceased)

Return of the Belle by Robert Taylor. SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT. ......

NOT AVAILABLE

Packs with at least one item featuring the signature of Robert Hanson (deceased)

Robert Hanson (deceased)

Aircraft for : Robert Hanson (deceased)
A list of all aircraft associated with Robert Hanson (deceased). A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Squadron	Info
Flying Fortress

We have prints featuring Flying Fortress aircraft.

Number Built : 12677

Flying Fortress

In the mid-1930s engineers at Boeing suggested the possibility of designing a modern long-range monoplane bomber to the U.S. Army Air Corps. In 1934 the USAAC issued Circular 35-26 that outlined specifications for a new bomber that was to have a minimum payload of 2000 pounds, a cruising speed in excess of 200-MPH, and a range of at least 2000 miles. Boeing produced a prototype at its own expense, the model 299, which first flew in July of 1935. The 299 was a long-range bomber based largely on the Model 247 airliner. The Model 299 had several advanced features including an all-metal wing, an enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, a fully enclosed bomb bay with electrically operated doors, and cowled engines. With gun blisters glistening everywhere, a newsman covering the unveiling coined the term Flying Fortress to describe the new aircraft. After a few initial test flights the 299 flew off to Wright Field setting a speed record with an average speed of 232-mph. At Wright Field the 299 bettered its competition in almost all respects. However, an unfortunate crash of the prototype in October of 1935 resulted in the Army awarding its primary production contract to Douglas Aircraft for its DB-1 (B-18.) The Army did order 13 test models of the 299 in January 1936, and designated the new plane the Y1B-17. Early work on the B-17 was plagued by many difficulties, including the crash of the first Y1B-17 on its third flight, and nearly bankrupted the Company. Minor quantities of the B-17B, B-17C, and B-17D variants were built, and about 100 of these aircraft were in service at the time Pearl Harbor was attacked. In fact a number of unarmed B-17s flew into the War at the time of the Japanese attack. The German Blitzkrieg in Europe resulted in accelerated aircraft production in America. The B-17E was the first truly heavily armed variant and made its initial flight in September of 1941. B-17Es cost $298,000 each and more than 500 were delivered. The B-17F and B-17G were the truly mass-produced wartime versions of the Flying Fortress. More than 3,400 B-17Fs and more than 8,600 B-17Gs would be produced. The American daylight strategic bombing campaign against Germany was a major factor in the Allies winning the War in Europe. This campaign was largely flown by B-17 Flying Fortresses (12,677 built) and B-24 Liberators (18,188 built.) The B-17 bases were closer to London than those of the B-24, so B-17s received a disproportionate share of wartime publicity. The first mission in Europe with the B-17 was an Eighth Air Force flight of 12 B-17Es on August 12, 1942. Thousands more missions, with as many as 1000 aircraft on a single mission would follow over the next 2 ½ years, virtually decimating all German war making facilities and plants. The B-17 could take a lot of damage and keep on flying, and it was loved by the crews for bringing them home despite extensive battle damage. Following WW II, B-17s would see some action in Korea, and in the 1948 Israel War. There are only 14 flyable B-17s in operation today and a total of 43 complete airframes

Contact Details Shipping Info Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Privacy Policy		Sign Up To Our Newsletter! Stay up to date with all our latest offers, deals and events as well as new releases and exclusive subscriber content! This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts.  Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269.  Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com

Return to Home Page