Ragged But Right

“Ragged But Right” plows through heavy flak over the target at the moment of bomb release. So named by the crew, but the name or nose art was... more

by Wade Meyers

Original - Sold

Price

Not Specified

Dimensions

36.000 x 17.000 inches

Title

Ragged But Right

Artist

Wade Meyers

Medium

Painting - Oil On Linen

Description

“Ragged But Right” plows through heavy flak over the target at the moment of bomb release. So named by the crew, but the name or nose art was never applied, likely due to the heavy ops tempo, ‘Ragged But Right’ was a Douglas-built Boeing B-17G-70-DL Flying Fortress (44-6888) that flew with the 96th Bomb Group's 337th Bomb Squadron. Accepted into the inventory on 9 Dec 44, she arrived overseas on 3 Jan 45 and after combat modification upgrades for the European Theater immediately began flying regular missions. On 11 May, the Fort was heavily damaged in a crash landing near their home base at Snetterton Heath, Norfolk. This painting was commissioned by the grandson of 1Lt. Joseph “Philly” Denver, her bombardier. The family also owns the final concept drawing for this project (see in Drawings album).

The 96th Bomb Group (Square “C” symbol on the tail) was one of the 8th Air Force’s most experienced bombardment groups, flying their first mission on 14 May 1943. By the time of V-E day, the 96th had been awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations for combat operations. Their notable battle scars include the second highest number of aircrew Missing in Action in the entire 8th Air Force, and the highest aircraft loss rate suffered by any 8AF group for the busy first half of 1944. The 96th’s recognized strong leadership gave them the honor and distinction of leading the entire Regensberg-Africa force on the 17 Aug 1943 “Anniversary” shuttle mission.

Uploaded

August 14th, 2018