"My Day may-day"

Sgt. John Mont, Ball Turret Gunner

of B17 "My Day", visits the Isle of Wight to see
salvaged prop from his old aeroplane.

Last year, Geoff stanton was told of an aeroplane propeller dredged up in fishing nets off the
Isle of Wight. Being a keen aviation collector, he managed to acquire the artifact to
display in the new Isle of Wight Military History Museum at Northwood, Near Cowes.

Having researched aircraft which came down in the area, Geoff came up with
"My Day," a B17 Flying fortress which ditched on December 30th 1943.
The prop matched the type used on the B17.

After much further research, Geoff made contact with "My Day's" ball turret gunner John Mont who
now lives in New Hampshire, USA.

Geoff Stanton is a great fan of the B17 and an ardent, active raiser of funds for
"Sally B," the well known Flying Fortress which flies at UK airshows.
At one stage last year Geoff went as far as having his head shaved to raise funds for "Sally B."

On hearing about the proposed D-Day Anniversary Air Show at
Sandown, Isle of Wight, Geoff managed to persuade John Mont and members of his family to
cross the Atlantic to see the propeller of his old aircraft and attend the show.

 

The great event at the show was the arrival of "Sally B"
Many low-level passes were made to thrill the crowds and
at one stage, the Flying Fortress spewed smoke from her port outer engine to
give the effect of a damaged bomber returning home.

My Day's Crew in 1943:
Top L to R : Zagrovitch - Payne - Steele - Pilato - Mont - Sacco
Bottom L to R : Aunspaugh - Claypool - Comella - Bellfy

Above: John Mont with painting of My Day ditching. This painting was displayed at the
60th D--Day Anniversary Air Show, Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight on 5th and 6th June 2004

Above. Geoff Stanton with "My Day's" propeller recovered from the sea off St. Catherines Point.

Above: Joanie (Johns daughter), Betty (his wife) John Mont, John H Worsley with Angela, and
Geoff Stanton who made it all happen.

 

The fate of My Day's Crew:-

Pilot 2nd Lt. Comella Body never recovered
Co Pilot 2nd Lt. Claypool Body never recovered
Navigator 2nd Lt. Aunspaugh Body never recovered
Bombardier 2nd Lt. Bellfy Body never recovered
Engineer S/sgt. Sacco Body never recovered
Radio Oper. S/sgt. Pilato Body recovered
Engineer S/sgt. Mont Safe returned to England
Waist Gunner S/sgt Payne Safe returned to England
Waist Gunner S/st Steele Safe returned to England
Tail Gunner S/sgt Zagrovitch Safe returned to England

 

Click here to view the painting "My Day may-day"

Click here to see jonzflicks movie which includes this subject