The MemphisBelle-The Final Chapter in Memphis, a documentary film by Ken Axmaker, Jr., focuses on the history of the Belle in Memphis, emphasizing the final days and the volunteers who tried to keep the Memphis icon from disappearing. Between November 1942 and May 1943, the MemphisBelle and its crew flew 25 bombing missions, including strikes against targets in Germany, France, and Belgium. At the time, the odds of completing a 25-mission tour and going home were small. The MemphisBelle parked outside the airport’s Administrative Building after arrival at the Memphis Airport in July, 1946. The MemphisBelle display being dedicated on as the city’s World War II memorial “to perpetuate the memories of our victories — to honor our heroic dead.” · It had a crew of ten, a top speed of 325 miles per hour, and a maximum range of 4,420 miles. Of the over 3,400 B-17Fs built, only three survive today — the MemphisBelle is one of those. They flew their ship to Memphis, TN on a shakedown flight, where she was christened MEMPHISBELLE in honor of the pilot's wartime sweetheart, Ms. Margaret Polk. This site was developed through a partnership of the MemphisBelle Memorial Association and the Lausanne Collegiate School Oral History Program, this website will primarily be used as an educational tool to preserve the history of the Belle and those who flew it. · The MemphisBelle remained in Memphis for 59 years at various locations including the Army National Guard Armory Building on Central Avenue, the Memphis Airport, Mud Island and Millington all the while undergoing preservation and restoration.
