Everett Ernest Blakely was a highly decorated B-17 pilot with the “Bloody Hundredth” Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force in Europe. In the Apple TV mini-series, “Masters of the Air“, is David Shields plays the role of Blakely. Tonight, we have his two sons, David and Jim, to discuss what they think of the series and to tell us about their father’s service.

Blakely’s journey began with his early training in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he learned to fly using the Stearman PT13 biplane at Hancock Field in Santa Maria, California. His determination and skill led him to advanced fighter training, but destiny took a turn when he was assigned to the 3rd Bomber Command at MacDill Field in Tampa, Florida, in May 1942. This marked the beginning of his transformation into a B-17 pilot, setting the stage for his pivotal role in the war.

Assigned to various bomber groups during his training, Blakely eventually connected with the 100th Bomb Group on October 28, 1942, officially assigned at Walla Walla Army Air Base in Washington. From there, he rose through the ranks, becoming not only a Command Pilot but also the group commander of the 418th Bombardment Squadron and Station Training Officer stationed at Thorpe Abbots Air Field in England.

Blakely’s combat experiences were diverse and intense, participating in numerous missions with the 100th Bomb Group. Notably, on August 17, 1943, during the historic two-pronged attack on Schweinfurt-Regensburg, he led the 100th Bomb Group as they penetrated deep into Germany. Despite facing over 300 Luftwaffe fighters, Blakely’s leadership ensured success in damaging crucial German installations.

His heroism reached its peak during the mission to Bremen on October 8, 1943, marking his 18th mission. Blakely’s plane, “Just A Snappin,” faced severe damage, losing two engines and nearly requiring a ditch in the North Sea. Miraculously, the crew, credited with shooting down nine Nazi fighters, crash-landed in England. Blakely’s bravery on this mission earned him the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest medal for gallantry.

Post-war, Blakely continued to serve in various capacities within the Air Force, contributing to education, language training, and international collaborations. His illustrious career spanned 27 years, concluding with his retirement and subsequent move to San Luis Obispo, California.

Lt. Col. Everett Ernest Blakely passed away on September 21, 2004.

Glenn welcomes distinguished historian Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives in Cambridge to discuss Winston Churchill’s wartime leadership. Our travel “Masters of the Air” tour to England in September 2024 will include a presentation by Allen Packwood at Churchill College in Cambridge.

Packwood’s book, “How Churchill Waged War,” delves into Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II, challenging simplistic views of his wartime ministry. Packwood explores Churchill’s decision-making process, highlighting his humanity, emotion, and the complexity of his approach. The book focuses on pivotal moments, such as Churchill’s response to the fall of France and the Blitz, shedding light on his strategy and mindset.

Churchill’s leadership style was characterized by determination, forcefulness, and a willingness to take the offensive. He strategically positioned himself at the heart of the British war effort as Minister of Defence, closely interacting with senior commanders. Notably, Churchill faced challenges like the sinking of the French fleet, which he responded to decisively, even at the cost of strained relations with former allies.

During the Blitz, Churchill remained resolute in public, emphasizing retaliation and portraying bombing as part of Hitler’s invasion plan. Behind the scenes, he prioritized offensive strategies, particularly bombing Germany and bolstering forces in the Mediterranean. Churchill’s focus on offensive action aimed to wear down the enemy and maintain British imperial power.

However, Packwood also reveals Churchill’s vulnerabilities and the toll of leadership. Churchill faced opposition, suffered health issues, and grappled with limited resources. Despite his iconic status, he encountered criticism, internal strife, and the weight of wartime decisions.

Ultimately, Packwood portrays Churchill as a leader driven by the simple goal of victory at all costs, tackling challenges one at a time and navigating the complexities of war with resolve and determination.

Allen Packwood is a distinguished archivist and historian, currently serving as the Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, Cambridge. He has been associated with the Centre since 1995, initially as a qualified archivist, and later taking on roles of increasing responsibility, including Acting Keeper and ultimately Director in 2002.

Throughout his career, Packwood has been actively involved in curating exhibitions and organizing events related to Churchill and Cold War history. He is recognized for his expertise on Churchill and has lectured extensively in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Under Packwood’s leadership, the Churchill Archives Centre continues to be a vital repository of historical documents, housing the papers of Sir Winston Churchill, Baroness Thatcher, and many other influential figures from the Churchill era and beyond.

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Glenn Flickinger leads another conversation about Masters of the Air, the Apple TV+ series about the Eighth Air Force’s war over Europe in 1943-1945. Family members of those depicted in the series will join the discussion, as will experts and historians.

Glenn Flickinger leads another conversation about Masters of the Air, this time with children and grandchildren of the Apple TV+ series’ main characters. Each is an expert on the 100th Bomb Group, and each will share their family members’ stories and their thoughts on the series.

John Homan joined the Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1944, he found himself co-piloting a B-24 Liberator over Nazi Germany, facing the dangers of deadly flak bursts and enemy fighters. His first-hand narrative written with expert WWII historian Jared Frederick, Into the Cold Blue, vividly portrays the perilous missions he and his crew undertook.

During a mission over Nazi-occupied Holland in September 1944, Homan’s plane sustained heavy damage, including a blown tire and a shot-away tail. With survival seeming unlikely, Homan and his crew prepared for a desperate emergency landing. Meanwhile, Homan’s thoughts turned to his sweetheart back home, adding a personal dimension to his wartime experiences.

Before flying combat, Homan trained on various aircraft, including the PT-17 and BT-13, progressing from primary flight training to advanced twin-engine training. Along the way, he encountered accidents and incidents, including witnessing crashes and experiencing mechanical failures in flight.

Despite the challenges, Homan found himself adapting well to the technical aspects of training, excelling particularly in mechanical and engineering areas, as well as navigation. He developed skills in precision flying and instrument navigation, crucial for military aviation.

Homan’s training journey took him through various locations in the United States, from Americus, Georgia, to Bainbridge and Moody Fields in Georgia. Throughout his training, he encountered strict discipline, demanding physical requirements, and the necessity of precise execution in flying maneuvers.

Ultimately, Homan’s training prepared him for his next assignment in Salt Lake City, where he would transition to four-engine bombers.

Homan is candid about the psychological toll of shifting from safety to danger, noting that while it affected some crew members, it didn’t interfere with their ability to perform their duties. He recounts a close call during a mission to Groesbeck, Holland, where his plane sustained damage and lost hydraulic power, forcing them to make an emergency landing. Despite the harrowing experience, his crew escaped serious injury, with only minor wounds reported.

One memorable mission was to Magdeburg, near Berlin, where his plane was attacked by fighters and heavy flak. Despite sustaining damage, they managed to return to England, thanks in part to the escort of P-51 fighters who guided them back safely. Homan praises the fighter cover they received throughout their missions, noting their bravery in engaging enemy fighters.

Homan’s bomb group was withdrawn from combat early to be retrained for deployment in the Pacific theater. He chose not to volunteer to go with them, completing his tour of 34 missions before his 20th birthday. After returning to the United States in late 1944, Homan received several medals for his service. He parted ways with his crew members, reuniting with them only many years later at a reunion.

Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health and UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!