by Don Allen
The first thing visitors typically notice when they walk into the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library is the large model of the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” hanging from the ceiling. It’s an imposing site, giving the viewer a small glimpse of what it must have been like to see a B-24 flying overhead.
View from the doorway into the Memorial Library
View of the left side
View of the right side
The model was graciously presented to the Memorial Library at its opening in 2001 by Mike Caputo, formerly a navigator with the 467th Bomb Group out of Rackheath, from which the “Witchcraft” flew during World War II with the 790th Bomb Squadron. Built to fly, the model is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, with only minor differences from the real one which were necessary in order for it to fly.
Photo of “Witchcraft” with groundcrew, C. 1944-45, from our Digital Archives. Notice the bombs signifying approx. 65 missions flown at that time
Closeup of bombs painted on the side of the model representing missions flown, as well as the noseart of the “Witchcraft”
Each bomb painted on the side represents one bombing run. The “Witchcraft” flew 130 combat missions between April 10, 1944 and April 25, 1945, an Eighth Air Force record. Even more remarkably, the “Witchcraft” never suffered a single casualty during its run.
While the real “Witchcraft” was scrapped following the war, the memory and spirit of her and her crew live on with this model. So stop by and see her at the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library and learn more about this amazing aircraft.
For more pictures and correspondance relating to the “Witchcraft” visit our Digital Archives here.
