THE CRASH OF THE B-17 LT STEVENS

Around noon, a first wave of bombers took off from England with the aim of bombing Chartres. At 2:45 p.m., the first formation of bombers arrive at Chartres by the West to destroy the airfield. These bombers, are those of the 322nd Bomber Squadron of the 91st Bomber Group which took off from the field Bassingbourn between London and Cambridge. Chartres German DCA is moderate but precise and has hit a first B-17. The B-17 (No. 42-97879) belonging to the 322nd Bomber Squadron of the 91st Bomber Group is controlled by 2nd Lt. Arthur L. STEVENS.The bomber crashed immediately to the west of Chartres. According to testimony given by other members of the panel, the unit was hit by shells between the cockpit and the bomb bay, and to the left wing. The device then engaged in a spin with two engines on fire. Of the five men who manage to jump, one opens his parachute. The four remained stuck in the burning aircraft. To 1,500 feet, flying fortress, probably still loaded bomb explodes in the air and scattered debris over a large area. The lucky man who saves his life was Sergeant Laurence E. DOYLE, rear gunner but was captured by the Germans.