Welcome to the Mighty 8th Podcast – the podcast about the people, planes and places of the United States Eighth Army Air Force.

In this very first episode, we visit Grafton Underwood – where B-17 bombers took to the skies for the very first America-led mission over occupied Europe in World War Two.

The first American-led mission using USAAF Flying Fortresses targeted the railway marshalling yards at Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France, on August 17, 1942.

We stand in the middle of what was runway Number One at Grafton Underwood airfield – where a granite memorial remembers those who flew on the raids that followed.

We visit Grafton Underwood church – where a stained glass window depicts a Flying Fortress bomber in memory of everyone who served.

And we take a walk to the airfield operations room to discuss the different bombing strategies employed by RAF Bomber Command and the United States Army Air Force.

Co-hosted by Johann Tasker and military historian Mike Peters. With thanks to Neil Howarth.

For more details about The 'Mighty Eighth' Podcast, visit mighty8thpodcast.com/2022/09/24/thebombrun/

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Episode ID: 1000580575599

GUID: 6330892f7caec30012b8a406

Release Date: 25/09/2022, 18:00:31