Friends Of the 305th Bomb Group
Welcome to the 305th Bomb Group website. This site is dedicated to those who served in the 305th Bomb Group throughout World War II. Here you will find remarkable stories and photographs of a group of extraordinary men.
Notice: This is not the official 305th Bomb Group Website, it is a personal website dedicated to the 305th Bomb Group and William Donald. This website is developed and maintained by Luke Betts.
Many Thanks
"Can Do"
During World War II (From 7-9th December 1942 onwards), the 305th bombardment group (Heavy) was based at the airfield, Station 105 close to the village of Chelveston (England) after moving from their temporary base of Grafton Underwood. Being part of the eighth air force (Mighty Eighth) 1st division, within the 40th Combat wing, the 305th bomb group consisted of four flying squadrons, the 364th, 365th, 366th and 422nd. Also attached to the group as Ground Units where the 325th Service Group (Headquarters Personnel), 413rd Air Service Squadron (Maintenance and major airframe repairs) , 2nd Station Complement Squadron (Responsible for the maintenance of bricks and mortar at the base, fire crews, flying control and communications), 1623 Ordnance MM Company (Maintenance of the bomb dump and vehicles etc), 875th Chemical Company (responsible for incendiary bombs and pyrotechnics), 1121st Quartermaster Company (Domestic welfare, food etc), S2 (intelligence) and the 983rd MP Company (Military Police).
During the years between 1942-45 approximately 8,000 Americans passed through Chelveston, with towards the end of the war, up to 4,000 men in residence at the base at one time. 769 + young men, gave their lives to preserve freedom for all. The group flew 480 combat missions and over 174 of the group's aircraft (B-17's "Flying Fortresses") were shot down or destroyed.
William (Billy) Donald
This website is also dedicated to William (Billy) Donald, who sadly passed away on Saturday 3rd May 2008. A man who cared solely of the 305th bomb group and spent over 30 years researching and putting together a remarkable book 'John Burn One-Zero-Five'. He was also the inspiration behind the 305th bomb group memorial situated in Chelveston which was unveiled on Saturday 26th May 2007. Billy was a devoted family man and married his wife Carole in October 1970 at Kettering Parish Church. He had two children Ian and Kirsty, and in the year of 1975 moved to Higham Ferrers. It was then that Billy became interested in the local area history, particularly what happened at the old USA base at Chelveston. He then joined the local aviation group and began excavating crash plane sites in the area (which are now displayed in the Sywell Museum). After speaking to a local author (Micheal Gibson) began researching the Chelveston group (crews, planes etc). That is how his book dream began. He fulfilled his dream in completing and publishing his book in 2005.
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The Designer
My name is Luke Betts, I have been very interested in the 305th Bomb Group for many years. I am 17 years old and have started to put together this site to remember the men of the 305th Bomb Group but also William "Billy" Donald. I would Like to here from anyone who was in the 305th Bomb Group or interested in that period. Please feel free to leave a comment on the website or email me at contact@305thbombgroup.com
Many Thanks
