lockheed b17g flying fortress (44-8601)

LOCKHEED B17G FLYING FORTRESS (REGISTRATION: 44-8601)
Aircraft B-17G Serial # 44-8601 was airborne at 2211 hours, 16 March 1945, on a authorized weather reconnaissance mission, ETA at base was 1016 hours 17 March 1945. At 1105 hours, 17 March 1945, aircraft was one (1) hour overdue. I started a check to find out if aircraft had crossed coast on return and was informed by base flying control that it had not. Upon further investigation into this matter I was told that the last radio contact vas made by St. Eval at 0010 hours, 17 March 1945, he had then asked for QFF. At 0031 an observer, at St. Eval, had seen a fire approximately six miles off the coast, This was in the vicinity of the track for the mission. 19th Group began & search at 0055 hours, 17 March 1945, and surface vessels reported that it was a petrol fire. Later parts of an aircraft were found and identified as that of a B-17. Among this wreckage was a flying jacket with papers and letters belonging to Anthony D. Pellegrini, 2nd Lt., the navigator of missing aircraft, #44-8601. Position of wreckage was found at 50 25N – 05 15W. Search wee abandoned at 1700 hours 17 March 1945, by 19th Group. Officer In charge of search was Fit/It. Evershed, H.K., serial number, 86012, R.A.F.