This is a rare photo, of a rare B-17. Crock O' Crap was B-17E serial #41-2632 which was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group when it was reforming in Australia after its withdrawal from the Philippines. It was delivered from the US via the Fiji route, and flown across the Pacific by 1/Lt Hugh S. Grundmann, then assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Squadron.

The bomber served the 19th well, but was re-assigned to the Thirteenth Air Force some time in early 1943, where it served with the 394th Bombardment Squadron of the 11th Bombardment Group.

Towards the middle of 1943 it was flown back to the US where it served as a trainer, although its ultimate demise is not known. This photograph was taken at Charters Towers, Queensland, shortly after the aircraft was named (courtesy Jane Richardson)

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