B17 Crew Number Discrepancy

[Paracab]

Evening Gents,

I caught the B17 1944 mid-air Reedham Marshes, Norfolk Time Team episode earlier this evening and during the incident history synopsis Tony Robinson stated that when the two aircraft went in, 21 lives were lost, no survivors.

Can anyone explain the odd number of aircrew?

No mention was made of civvy journo observers etc.

[jumpseater]

On 21st Feb 385th BG lost two aircraft at Reedham this was probably the collision investigated. (didn't see prog)

It wasn't unknown to take extra crew in the form of newbies for them to see how a crew/mission worked, often on 'easy' targets also known as milk runs. One of the aircraft was a crew (Capt Hutchison) completeing their 25th mission, its likely that in the 8th AF archives there will detail of the crew complements. Norwich Library had a comprehensive collection, but I'm not sure of its current status.
385th BG 8th Air Force known as 'Vans Valiants' based at Great Ashfield 1943 - 45.

Just found this.
The Unofficial Time Team Site - 1999 - 08 - Reedham Marshes, Norfolk. (http://www.timeteam.k1z.com/index.php?pid=70)
Assuming the details are correct Hutchison had an extra crew member on board,

[goofer3]

I think you will find the extra man was filming the crews "Last Mission". The camera was not found, only the lens cap.
Just checked and the photographer was Staff Sergeant Frank L. Creegan.Jnr.