The Strangest B-17 The Luftwaffe Ever Saw

Young Veteran in the Skies

At just 23 years old, Richard L. Maggart was already a seasoned veteran of the skies. Piloting a B-17G Flying Fortress out of RAF Manston, he embarked on his 23rd mission.

This time, his task was to escort bombers and strike a German weapons facility deep in France. But the mission would quickly become a test of both his skill and his resolve.

Not Your Average B-17

Maggart’s aircraft, nicknamed “West End,” wasn’t an ordinary B-17. Outfitted with experimental upgrades, it featured chin turrets under the nose—housing six machine guns controlled directly by the pilot.

Additionally, two .50-caliber machine guns were mounted on the sides of the nose, contributing to the plane’s formidable firepower. Altogether, “West End” packed 17 .50-caliber machine guns, making it a force to be reckoned with in the skies.

A Rough Start Over France

As the formation reached France, enemy flak tore into the B-17, but Maggart pressed on. Soon, three German fighters descended, intent on finishing off the wounded bomber. They hadn’t counted on the firepower “West End” carried.

With precise control of his new chin-mounted guns, Maggart obliterated the first Fw 190. The second tried to retreat, but Maggart’s fire caught up with it, sending it spiraling down. The third escaped only by climbing out of the gun’s reach.

Damage Piles On

As the battle raged, the B-17 sustained more damage. A flak burst hit the portside engine, but Maggart kept the bomber aloft. Soon after, a squadron of six Fw 190s appeared, attacking in formation.

Calm under pressure, Maggart fired a burst, downing two of the enemy fighters instantly. But the toll was heavy. Another Fw 190 shredded the portside stabilizer and damaged the landing gear, while flak knocked out a third engine.

A Miraculous Return

With the odds stacked against him and the aircraft severely damaged, Maggart made a bold decision. He shut down all but one of the engines to prevent a fire, then coaxed the crippled bomber back toward safety.

Against all expectations, the B-17 limped home to Kent, where all nine crew members landed safely.