World War 2 In Review: Boeing Fortress Mk.IIA

For much of 1943 the Fortress Mk. IIAs, such as FK186/S of 220 Squadron, flew Atlantic patrols from their remote outpost in the western isles of Scotland.

In the middle of 1942, 45 B-17Es were transferred to the RAF, where they served under the designation Fortress Mk.IIA. Because of the shortcomings experienced with the Mk.I, the RAF did not use the Mk.IIA in its intended role but instead they were operated by the Coastal Command for anti-submarine patrols.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA (B-17E) of No. 220 Squadron RAF flying from the Azores on long-range anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic.

A Royal Air Force Coastal Command Boeing Fortress Mark IIA (s/n FK186, "S") of No. 220 Squadron RAF based at Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, flying past a Hebridean island in May 1943.

A publicity shot purporting to show the captain of a Boeing Fortress of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command holding a final conference with his crew before taking off. The photograph was taken at Lagens, Azores (today Lajes Air Base), in front of a Boeing Fortress Mark IIA (s/n FL462, "W") of No. 220 Squadron RAF. The "crew" were, in fact, an ad hoc group drawn from No. 206 Squadron RAF, and the "captain" (3rd from right, wearing SD Cap) was Flying Officer L.W. Taylor RAAF, an Air Ministry public relations officer.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK198 M/59, arrives at RAF Chivenor. 23 January 1943.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK186, S/220.

Boeing Fortress 1-U, No. 206 Squadron, Coastal Command, takes off.

Protectively flying over a large convoy, Fortress Mk. IIA FK186/NR-K of 220 Squadron conducted its sortie from Ballykelly, Northern Ireland.

A handful of Fortress Mk. IIAs were flown by 59 Squadron for four months; here, FK202/B carries an ASV radar array on the fin fillet and is pictured while on patrol in February 1943.

Fortress Mk. IIA FL451/VX-D of 206 Squadron at Benbecula in late July 1942. It was fully armed to suppress the anti-aircraft fire from U-boats under attack. This Mark equated to the US B-17E.

Sqn Ldr Nigel Marshall (fourth from left) of 519 Squadron. His crew included a Met Air Observer, who wore a seldom-seen ‘M’ brevet.

In late 1943, Coastal Command Fortress IIs and IIAs were sent to the Azores, where these aircraft of No. 220 Squadron are seen parked at Lagens, Azores, from where they patrolled southern Atlantic convoy routes.

The nearest of these aircraft seen in 1943 is Fortress Mk. IIA FL459/J of 220 Squadron. It was the unit's most successful airframe, its crews sinking three U-boats and sharing a fourth.

For the meteorological reconnaissance role, the dorsal and ventral turrets were sometimes removed, as is evident on Iceland-based Fortress Mk. IIA FK197/AD-E of 251 Squadron.

Boeing Fortress Mk. IIA FK197, No. 220 Squadron, Scottish Aviation workshops at Prestwick.

Boeing Fortress Mk. IIA, No. 220 Squadron, based at Benbencula, Outer Hebrides.

Boeing Fortress Mk. IIA FK185, A&AEE, February 1944.

Radar-equipped Fortress Mk IIA FL462, No. 220 Squadron, Coastal Command, RAF Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FL4621, No. 220 Squadron, RAF.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK186, No. 220 Squadron, RAF.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA, RAF.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA with ASW radar, Coastal Command.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK185.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK185, Coastal Command.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK187 (USAAF 41-2516), A&AEE Boscombe Down. “P” in circle prototype markings on fuselage sides. Hit by aircraft on runway before becoming operational with No. 59 Squadron. Delivered Ogden 20/1/42; Cheyenne 2/3/42; RCAF Dorval 24/3/42; Gander 5/4/42; Prestwick 6/4/42 with Dick Stophet RAF [FK187]; not used on anti-sub ops, fitted with LRASV but not assigned to a squadron; A&AEE Boscombe Down, Wilts type trials as (P) 24/4/42;. then Thornaby, Yorks. Struck Off Charge 4/7/45.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK187 (USAAF 41-2516), A&AEE Boscombe Down. “P” in circle prototype markings on fuselage sides are still present but have been toned down.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK211 (USAAF B-17E 41-9199).

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK185, February 1944.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK185, February 1944. This aircraft had the ball turret removed, and a 40mm Vickers S gun mounted in the nose with a sighting position in a gondola beneath it.

Boeing Fortress Mk IIA FK185, February 1944.

Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, USAAF 41-9203, being delivered to the RAF as Fortress Mk. IIA FK209 during a stop at Dorval Airport, Quebec. Note the ASV radar antennae under the wings and on the nose. This aircraft served with RAF Coastal Command, until it was shot down on 23 March 1943 by a German Junkers Ju 88C over the Bay of Biscay, 350 km southwest of Oussant, by Oblt Hermann Horstmann of 13/KG40. FK209 had an all Canadian crew. (DND Archives Photo, PL-11069)

Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, USAAF 41-9203 being delivered to the RAF as Fortress Mk. IIA FK209 during a stop at Dorval Airport, Quebec. (CFJIC-DND Photo, PL-1170)