Made known to the multitude in 1990 with the making of the Puttnam/Wyler film of the same name, the Memphis Belle has to be one of the most famous aircraft of all time.

Flying with the 324th Bomb Squadron, of the 91st Bomb Group, Memphis Belle and it’s crew were the first to complete a combat tour in the ETO of WWII, which earnt them the right to go home

The 91st, known as the ‘The Ragged Irregulars’ took part in some of the most dangerous bombing missions of the entire war. They bombed Wilhelmshaven on the 27th January 1943 – the first 8th AF attack on a target in Germany. They were awarded their first unit citation for bombing the Marshalling yards of Hamm on the 4th March, under extremely adverse weather conditions. They experienced one the toughest missions of the war when selected as the lead Group for the bombing of the ball bearing factory in Schweinfurt on the 17th August. So it comes as no surprise that the 197 B-17’s lost by the 91st were the highest casualties in the 8th AF. On the other hand, 420 enemy aircraft were claimed destroyed by the 91st, the 8th’s best.

William Wyler’s wartime documentary, again of the same name as the aircraft, follows the aircraft and it’s crew on their final mission. It is one of the best wartime documentaries ever made (in full colour), and is a must see for any 8th AF enthusiast. A copy of this documentary on DVD can be purchased from DVD documentary department on this site.

Painted to perfect scale, like all the others available here, Our Memphis Belle Nose Art panel is certain to be one of the most popular!

Please note: These panels are made in extremely limited numbers, by one artist. We will appreciate your understanding, that if we do not have the panel of your choice in stock, there may be some weeks of waiting until we are able to get it in. Many thanks.