August 25th, 1944,
Glenn Miller poses with some members of the 388th Bomb Group. Only a few months later Miller went missing during a flight over the English Channel,. spurring 70 years of mystery and intrigue. His death is still an unknown, although many suggest that he was in fact a German spy. The second image shows the crowd during the concert – snapped by Alegre from the front of the stage.
Some of Glenn’s best known hits are Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Little Brown Jug and Tuxedo Junction. Many of these songs are likely lost on my generation, but will be familiar to many of the readers of this blog. Please check out the links listed below for some vintage Glenn Miller footage!
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Portraits of War 
Can’t see that second image of the audience? We have a nice (but poor quality) ‘amateur’ shot of servicemen sitting high up the latticework of the T2 hangar to get a good view of the stage. Will send a copy.
During his short stay at Knettisall Miller christened a B-17G bomber named after his famous theme song, “Moonlight Serenade” on Aug. 25, 1944. The aircraft was shot down on Sept. 5, 1944 when on only its third mission.
Interesting too that a year or so back they eventually discovered the likely cause of Miller’s disappearance in the light aircaft whilst en route to Paris, which had been a mystery for so long.
Very nice photos. I, too, am a Miller historian/collector of sorts.
Is the ANY possibility of obtaining copy-prints of the Miller photos ( at my expense)? I’d be happy to share what I have for you.
-Glenn
No problem. I can send a digital copy to a Ritz photo store near you and you can pick it up and pay for it at the store. It would take me only 5 minutes.
Dear Portraitsofwar,
Thank you very much.
Actually, can you send them to Walmart?
We no longer have a Ritz Camera near us.
Walmart
1000 Chestnut Commons Dr.
Elyria, Ohio 44035-2106
1-Hour Photo 1-440-365-0359
Blessings,
Glenn M.
Please send me your email address
Dear Portraitsofwar,
glenn_mittler@yahoo.com
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