Roscoe the black bear was given to the 569th squadron Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel Robert Tuttle, by Native Americans whilst they were on final training in Montana before arriving at Parham. Roscoe flew over with Lt. Raymond Becker’s crew in the radio room. He went on several combat missions and became the group mascot.
Roscoe flew over with Lt. Raymond Becker’s crew in the radio room. He went on several combat missions and became the group mascot.
Roscoe Anne was a familiar sight at Parham Airfield and many airmen grew quite attached to her.
Veteran Bill Pennebaker remembers him stealing all the honey from the hives at nearby Marlesford Hall. He would stroll in to Parham village to the delight of the English children who had never seen a bear before. He even ventured inside the church and right up to the pulpit to the vicar’s astonishment!
B17 at Parham
It was eventually discovered that “he” was actually a “she” and the bear was renamed Roscoe Anne! As the bear grew older she became a little unruly and also developed health problems (partly due to begging so much chocolate and ‘candy’). Sadly she had to be put to sleep. Lt. Col. Tuttle, who carried out the task, claimed it was one of his toughest assignments.
390th BG Parham control tower
He retained the pelt as a keepsake. Unfortunately Roscoe Anne’s ill fate carried over to Col. Tuttle as his plane was shot down on his next mission and he was taken prisoner of war. Some of Col Tuttle’s possessions were returned but, to his sadness, the pelt which was on board that fateful mission was never seen again.
