Help identifying historical information

[Dave S.]

Hey gang, trying to decipher the notes at the bottom of this photo.  Turns out, one of these gents was a relative.

I'm figuring the '14-11-43' at the bottom left is the date (Nov 14, 1943), but that's all I've got.  The plane looks to be a B-17F model, which ties in well with my self-deciphered date.

Any help/suggested paths to pursue would be greatly appreciated.

[Jay Beckman]

Ran this past Britt Dietz who is usually pretty knowledgeable about War Department stuff...

His Thoughts:
"it usually is code for what mission and other related info for that particular day as I recall.
Normally that was removed by the censors if this photo was sent somewhere, so either this
is a wartime photo that was filed away and released post war to the public or it was covertly kept by someone."

So perhaps mission archives might be a stepping stone...

Do you know what theater, unit, etc?

[Dave S.]

Jay, thanks for the info!  I don't have any of that info yet, but will be working on getting it.

[Joe Copalman]

Do you know the relative's name?  A lot of historical groups have compiled pretty comprehensive lists of crews and 'their' aircraft, so if you google the relative's name in quotes and "B-17F," you might find something.

[Dave S.]

Sweet, another good lead, thanks!  Will get his name and try that.

[Dave S.]

Joe, great suggestion.  Found out he was shot down over France in January of 1944 and then spent time in Stalag 1, in Prussia.