The “Trolley Missions” began a few days before the war actually ended, but only over Allied controlled zones in Western Europe; after VE-Day some fights extended further East. Most of the flights took place on B-17 and B-24 heavy bombers; many of the low altitude photos came from these all but forgotten missions. The “Trolley Missions” took the ground crews (mechanics, cooks, etc..) and VIP’s over the war time mission targets at low altitude; over 30,000 non-crew personnel rode the “Trolleys”. A few planes actually landed. Trolley passengers were given permission and in few cases encouraged to take photographs. Generally a five man crew was used to fly the plane; the four officers and the chief engineer. The newer crews were generally used, but not always. For many of the battle seasoned crews this was their first up close view of what of what the missions had accomplished. A few “Trolley Mission” pilots were brought up on Court Marshal charges for “buzzing” military and civilian personal on the ground.

These photos were taken by Co-Pilot James Beadling from Mighty 8th Army Air Force, 448th BG, and 715th Squadron from the B-24 Wazzle Dazzle or shown at b24.net – photos were taken by Harvey B. DeVoe Jr..

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