Introduction 

Research into B-17Es, B-17Fs and and B-17Gs operated by RAF Coastal Command as the Fortress IIA, II and III led me to touch on the 20 B-17Cs acquired by Britain. All 20 Fortress Is were initially assigned to 90 Squadron for what were considered operational trials over Europe. Apart from the knowledge gained in high-level bombing operations, the trials proved notably unsuccessful, as has been comprehensively documented elsewhere. Despite this lack of success, four Fortress Is were dispatched to Egypt, initially on a two-month trial basis, while a further five examples were assigned to Coastal Command for training and service as hacks. Their use in Egypt and with Coastal Command is covered in the book Boeing B-17 Fortress in RAF Coastal Command Service, noted elsewhere on this site.

Further research into the acquisition, preparation and delivery of the 20 Fortress Is revealed a unique set of circumstances that has received little attention to date. This set of pages endeavours to expand and improve the record.

More to follow...

Last edit: February 22, 2026