| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, New Hebrides |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL24190 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Aircraft component |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | 1941-1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
US Army Air Force : 1939-1945 : Aircraft component
Description
Small piece of aluminium sheet recovered from wreckage of a crashed USAAF Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress bomber, in forest a few kilometers inland of "Million Dollar Point" on the SE coast of Espiritu Santo island, Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). One surface is painted dark blue-grey. Two screw- or Dzuss-holes are present.
History / Summary
B-17s of the 11th Bombardment Group USAAF were based on Espiritu Santo from 31 July 1942, assisting with the bombing of Japanese held territory in the Solomon Islands. In September and October they were joined by the 5th Bombardment Group. Espiritu Santo contained five airfields during the war, being a large US Army Air Force, Marine Corps and Naval base as well as home for RNZAF units.