Can you solve the mystery of the Wellingborough painter for American veteran flier's family?

The son of an airman who served in the United States of America Air Force (USAAF) has asked for help locating the family of a man who created a beloved family heirloom.

It was in 1978 that a Mr Joseph Frankie was presented a bottle decorated with a painting of 'The Out House Mouse' - a B-17 Flying Fortress based at RAF Bassingbourn in Cambridgeshire.

Depicting the bomber rising through clouds with 'B17 Berlin or Bust' written near the Stars and Stripes, the bottom of the bottle gives the name and address of a Mr J R Stock of Pendered Road.

Family friend of Mr Frankie's son, Jim Uballe, from San Antonio in Texas said: " I am attempting to locate Mr J.R. Stock of Wellingborough, England or his family and friends.

"In 1978, there was a reunion of WWII aircrews who flew from what was RAF Bassingbourn and Mr Stock was the artist who painted wine bottles with images of some of the planes.

"One plane was called The Out House Mouse and a Mr Joseph Frankie was on that crew and was given a bottle painting."

The Out House Mouse was the nickname given to the aircraft replacing its less catchy serial number 42-31636 and was part of 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy) known as 'The Ragged Irregulars'.

Originally based in Kimbolton, the bomber group including the 322nd, 323rd, 324th and 401st Bomb Squadrons transferred to RAF Bassingbourn in March 1944, from where it carried out its daytime raids on targets in mainland Europe.

Mr Uballe added: "Joseph Frankie has passed, but his son proudly displays the artwork in his home and he was hoping to contact Mr Stock, his or family or friends, to share memories."

Anyone with any information about Mr J R Stock can email [email protected].

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