Four B-17 bombers taxiing during the filming of Memphis Belle, including Sally B. Captured by Stuart H Bourne in a rare behind-the-scenes moment.
Photographer Stuart H Bourne
Copyright Stuart H Bourne QAPI
This evocative photograph captures four B-17 Flying Fortress bombers taxiing in formation during the production of the 1990 film Memphis Belle. Shot on location in the UK, the film dramatized the final mission of the famed WWII bomber and featured a fleet of restored aircraft portraying the original crew’s story.
Among the aircraft pictured is Sally B, Europe’s only airworthy B-17, which played a starring role in the film. The image, taken by aviation photographer Stuart H Bourne, offers a rare glimpse into the scale and authenticity of the production, with multiple bombers moving across the airfield in full wartime livery.
This photo is not just a cinematic moment—it’s a tribute to the legacy of the B-17 and the dedication of restorers, pilots, and filmmakers who brought history to life.
