14/10/2026
96th Bomb Group History – The Friendships That Lasted a Lifetime
SSgt. Corney Lett & American Red Cross Worker Irene Whittaker
Following last week’s feature on American Red Cross worker Irene Whittaker, this week we turn to SSgt. Corney Lett, radio operator on 2nd Lt. Chesmore’s crew, who were shot down during a mission to Kiel, Germany, on 13 December 1943 and became prisoners of war.
Through Corney’s diary, we discover a moving story of friendship, kindness and a bond that lasted long after the Second World War had ended.
Corney first met Irene in September 1943 at the Piccadilly Red Cross Centre in London, where she volunteered her time helping American servicemen. What began as a conversation soon developed into a remarkable friendship. Irene offered the airmen food, somewhere to take a bath, homemade treats and, most importantly, the warmth and understanding of someone who made them feel a little closer to home.
The crew were so grateful for her kindness that they named their second B-17 Flying Fortress “Lady Irene” in her honour. Irene attended the aircraft’s christening at their base in 1943, deeply touched by the gesture.
In his own words, Corney Lett recorded the memories of a woman who became much more than a friend.
From the diary of SSgt. Corney Lett:
“I first met Irene in September 1943 at the Piccadilly Red Cross Centre when I went to London on my time off. She worked as a volunteer there sewing on buttons, stripes, patches etc for the Soldiers. She was a widow, about 60 years old. While I was there I talked to her and told her about my mother and we became really good friends. I told her about our crew and introduced her to Collins. We would go to her apartment and visit when we were in London. She let us take baths at her place, gave us food to eat, made cookies and candy for us to take back to the base. I introduced her to the other crew members and they all liked her but I knew her best. She gave me a Saint Christopher for good luck and said maybe this will see you through the war. I still have that St Christopher. She came to our base for the christening of our B17 “ Lady Irene”. Her face glowed with love and amazement. She was so honoured to have us name our ship for her. A small price to pay for a wonderful lady who volunteered her time for American flyers far from home with so much love and understanding for us. We didn't have time to have her name painted on the plane as busy as we were going to meetings, missions etc. Our time in England was short, about 90 days, downed on October 14th 1943 and again on December 13 1943 with missions flown in between time. I guess I was the closest one to Irene, she was for me a second mother away from home. The queen to me.”
After the war, Irene travelled to America to visit Corney and his family, demonstrating that the friendship they had formed during wartime had endured long after the conflict was over.
For the men of the 96th Bomb Group, life in wartime England was filled with danger, uncertainty and separation from loved ones. Volunteers like Irene Whittaker offered comfort, compassion and a reminder of home when it was needed most.
Corney’s diary allows us to understand just how much that kindness meant to him. His words preserve the memory of a remarkable woman and a friendship that crossed the Atlantic and survived the passage of time.
The story of the 96th Bomb Group is not only one of missions and sacrifice, but also of the people and friendships that shaped the lives of those who served.
