One of the most dramatic photographs of the air war in Europe shows the American B-17G Flying Fortress "Wee Willie" (serial number 42-31333) breaking apart after being hit by German anti-aircraft fire during its final mission over Germany.
The last mission of a veteran bomber:
The aircraft belonged to the 322nd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, and was commanded by First Lieutenant Robert Fuller.
By April 8, 1945, Wee Willie had already completed an astonishing 127 combat missions. Its final sortie became mission number 128, a remarkable achievement considering the dangerous nature of daylight strategic bombing over occupied Europe.
Few heavy bombers survived long enough to accumulate such an extensive combat record.
Shot down over Germany:
During the mission on 8 April 1945, the bomber was struck by concentrated German anti-aircraft fire near Stendal, in present-day Saxony-Anhalt.
The damage proved catastrophic. The aircraft broke apart in mid-air before exploding, a moment captured in this remarkable photograph.
Although the Flying Fortress had earned a reputation for exceptional durability, even the rugged B-17 could not survive devastating structural damage.
Only two men survived:
The bomber carried a crew of ten airmen.
Against overwhelming odds, only two survived the destruction of the aircraft—the pilot, Lieutenant Robert Fuller, and the tail gunner, both of whom successfully escaped the falling bomber.
Their survival marked the end of the combat career of one of the most experienced B-17s serving in the Eighth Air Force during the final weeks of the Second World War in Europe.
📍 Location: Stendal, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
📅 Date: April 8, 1945
📷 Photographer: Unknown
Recommended reading:
- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
- Strategic Bombing Campaign over Germany
- Eighth Air Force Operations in 1945
- German Anti-Aircraft Defenses (Flak)
- Final Air Battles over Europe