This page started as a way to help share some of my experiences with B-17s, in particular the men and their Flying Fortresses that flew out of Rattlesden during WWII. My grandfather flew 30 missions with the 447th in 1944, including seven missions as lead plane for the group. He and crew 89 are most commonly associated with Ol’ Scrapiron (ac 42-31582) and Lucky Stehley Boy (ac 42-38052).

As time went on, this site became filled with thousands and thousands of planes, vehicles, artillery, ships, spacecraft, vintage vehicles and so much more. I am thrilled each time I can add a new example of a plane, or better yet a new plane type altogether, to this massive (and still growing) collection of land, air and watercraft. Basically anything I can point a camera at — followed by the research and cataloging (one of my favorite tasks!)

As for the original intent of preserving the memories of my grandfather and his fellow 447th BG veterans, I have become the webmaster for the 447th BG website (www.447bg.com) and heartily recommend you visit that site to find out more about the heroes that called Rattlesden home during WWII.