Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. M/Sgt. Maurice Schallert, Crew Chief
  2. Ben Jones
  3. Earl J. Hofert

In the summer 2008, Geoff Rice, our our Crew Photos Coordinator sent a copy of the above photo to Earl Hofert and asked what they were doing. He replied:

"....the B-17 engines were nine cylinder radials, each engine had 18 spark plugs, we were coating the plugs with anti-seize compound, before installation.

Schallert, Jones & Hofert crewed one B-17. We three were a good crew we maintained a B-17 in a rivetment away from the 603 sq area. We built our office (tool shed) from bomb boxes. Our shed was warmed with used engine oil in a makeshift heater..."

Comments:

  1. Aircraft in photo: Unknown B-17
  2. Photo Date: Unknown Date in 1944/45
  3. Photo Location: Nuthampstead
  4. Photo Reference: Photo No. 1 from the Charles Dacon Collection
  5. Information compiled by UK Friends of the 398th with thanks to Earl Hofert and Raynold Dacon.
  6. If you would like to add information about this photograph, please contact our Crew Photos Coordinator. Please mention the title and photograph date.

See also:

  1. Earl Hofert, 398th Bomb Group Ground Crew - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (1hr 2m 6s)