Claringbould, Michael J. Pacific Profiles. Volume 16: Allied Bombers: B-17 Flying Fortress series Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1944

The Pacific Profiles series contains the most accurate profiles of World War II Allied and Japanese aircraft operating in Australia, the South Pacific and New Guinea. This Volume 16 covers the B-17E and F series that operated in these theatres from their first appearance in Australia in the early weeks of the Pacific War to the scrapping of the commander's last Flying Fortress in late 1944. The Flying Fortress served with a total of one provisional and eighteen USAAF bomber squadrons, while many of them, after being dismantled and modified, continued to be used as transport and commander aircraft. Most profiles are presented for the first time, along with the derivations of markings, including unit crests, artwork and serial numbers. This volume corrects previous errors and fills a major gap in the markings of the Flying Fortress in the Pacific, including the 13th Air Force transports and an early squadron that served with the USN. Each profile is supported by photographs and/or documentation, along with a brief history of the bomber in question. The extensive reference material includes mission data, wreckage reports, squadron records, colour photographs, maintenance logs, diaries, airfield movement logs and marking specifications. The profiles are accompanied by short unit histories and explanations of the markings. The author is well known for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the "Flying Fortress" in the Pacific been depicted to such an extent, with such accuracy and detail.