Wulfe Hund - The B-17 Captured by Luftwaffe

Richard Fischpera contacted us regarding his father's wartime service in the Luftwaffe, part of which was with KG 200 when it flew a B-17 captured from the USAAF.

We are researching his father's service for Richard. Here is what we have so far.

The B-17F serial number #41-24585 came from USAAF 303rd Bomb Group. Some reports are that the plane crash landed in a field near Melun, France on 12 December 1942.

B-17F-27-BO Wulf Hound (41-24585) came from the USAAF 360BS 303BG 'Hell's Angels'. Damaged by German fighters during a bombing run 12th of December 1942 and was further heavily damaged during its return flight by Bf 110 from NJG 1. The pilot Lieutenant Flickinger was forced to land on Leeuwarden airfield in Netherlands. The plane was repaired and two days later (after adding German national insignia), and covered by two Bf 110, it flew to Rechlin. The aircraft was tested and later provided experience in Germany and France for various fighter units so that Luftwaffe pilots could recognize the strong and weak points of the Flying Fortress. The plane was exhibited at Lärz airfield in 12th of June 1943 during an exhibition of captured Allied planes. Together with B-17F other planes such as B-24, P-47D, P-51, P-38, Avro Lancaster, DH Mosquito, Typhoon and Spitfire were shown. Wulf Hound returned to Rechlin in July 1943 and was used in trials with the DFS 230 glider. The plane was transferred to KG 200 in September 1943 and coded A3+AE.

It was repaired and flown to Germany. This is reported to be the first B-17 the Germans were able capture intact and fly again. The plane was re-painted with German insignia and given the markings DL XC. The Germans named the B-17 Wulfe Hound. Its first flight with the Luftwaffe was on March 17, 1943. It was later transferred to Luftwaffe Squadron KG200 where it took part in the training of Luftwaffe crews, fighter pilots, and flying on secret missions.