B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Hello. I would like to ask for any information on an unknown crash of a B-17 on a hill in Northwestern Greece. The area is found between Igoumenitsa and Plataria. No actual info about date. The locals say that (at least) two members of the crew managed to bail out and after their landing with parachutes, were collected, hidden and brought to Greek rebels. So the crash happened during the occupation. No other information is available. Could someone help? Thank you.

Themis

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Are you sure it was B-17, and how it was recognized?

In E&E statements from 15AAF archives I have found one crash landing at Corfu, and one crash with 2 evaders, some 150km to NE of place you mention.

Confirming plane type could narrow search significantly, since it seems that their Escape statements could be located in Bomb Group archives, and there was 6 B-17 groups and 15 B-24 groups in 15 AAF.

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Vathra thank you very much for your response. Debis of the aircraft found are mentioned here: http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showpo...30&postcount=3

After a lot of searching I ended up that the aircraft is a B-17. If you take a look at the fourth photo in row, the one showing a large part separating in two pieces you will see that it is the secondary landing gera part of a B-17, like this one:

http://457thbombgroup.org/walkthru/b17-21.jpg

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Hello,

I think you should take a close look at the following site:

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/f...&GRid=41261437

Let's have your opinion.

Col.

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Two men from that crash survived, Bennett and Killebrew.
They landed near Agia Lavra monastery, which is far away from described place, so I don't think it fits description.

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Good evening,

you should check 44-6340, 97.BG, 414.BS on 18.08.1944, MACR 7970. This a/c crashed somewhere in the area beween Igoumenitsa (as stated in the ME-file) and Paramythia (mentioned in the Casualty Questionnaire).

Regards,

Heuser

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Two airmen evaded on same day from same squadron, Crane and Krajewski, so I presume they are from that plane.
They jumped near 40 deg 45 min N, 21 deg 15 min E, and were taken by Andartes to allied mission at Paramiethenia (possible spel. mistake).
It is too far away from alleged place, some 150km, but it is possible that rest of the crew jumped later, like stated in ME file.

So MACR of 44-6340 should give answer.

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

That's it guys we found it! Well done and thank you. I have the MACR file it contains much info mainly regarding the crew.
Vathra, where did you find these info about coordinates and Paramythia ("Paramethenia")? Do you maybe have the ME files?

Thank you

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Those data are from their Escape statement. Please let me know if you need it.

Re: B-17 crash Northwestern Greece
 

Vathra you have a pm.