Help to identify plane crash
 

I am researching my late Fathers' military career and hope someone will be able to help me.
My Father was awarded a British galantry medal for his involvment in trying to rescue the crew of a crashed aircraft. In Diest, Belgium, on 13th September 1944 an aircraft crashed and caught fire. My Dad tried to help the crew but exploding ammunition blew him out of the plane. Family history says the plane was crewed by Americans but we don't have any details of what kind of plane it was. Because of the exploding ammo I wonder if it was a bommer on the way to Dusseldorf.
Any ideas?
I don't think anyone survived, but it would be great to hear from anyone who knows anything!
Many thanks
Patricia

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Patricia, do you know the site where the plane crashed? An exact crash-site could help identify the plane and if it was day or night when it happened. Danny

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Hi, thanks for your interest. I am sorry but all I have to go on is his BEM citation which just gives Diest and the date. He was a Gunner with the Royal Artillery at the time. I am trying to track his movements throughout WW11.
Regards Patricia
PS Think I posted original thread in the wrong area!

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

OK, slightly different way to find things for you...
Do you have his Service Number and Unit? If we know his RA Battery, then we might be able to locate War Diary etc which might mention the incident. It was just before the parachute operation at Arnhem, so it could be anything from a fighter bomber to 4 engined day or night bomber, British or American (even Free French, etc!).... any mention of time the incident happened? I'd guess daylight, but worth an ask!!

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Can you give us his name so we can find the London Gazette publication?

It reminds me of an RAF airman who was awarded for his bravery in a Mitchell bomber crash but his citation reads December 1944.

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Patricia,
I'm not a researcher on USAAF losses WW2 but following info came from my friend Jan Hey, co-author of the book series "Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Force ETO area NW Europe".

13-9-1944 - B-17G serial 42/97848 coded UX-M - of 92nd Bomb Group - 327th Squadron - nicknamed "Silverwings", lost one engine hit by Flak over the target (Altenburg in Thüringen) and became a 'straggler' (lost from the formation). Homebound again attacked by a Bf 109 and a FW 190 fighter. Gunner B-17 was hit and died within minutes. Escorted by two P-51s over the Ruhr area the pilot was looking for an area in west Belgium for an emergency landing, but as two more engines cut he lost control over the bomber and crashed in a wooded area close to the aerodrome Schaffen near Diest in Belgium. A total of seven of the crew died and were initially buried at Schaffen or on the aerodrome; in 1945 reinterred in the Mil. War Cem. Neuville-en-Condroz near Liège.

Do hope this is the info you were looking for.
Best regards,
Henk.

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Hello, His name was Robert William Pearson service No 806714. I believe it was in the London Gazette 02/02/1945. Sorry don,t have a copy yet.

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Thank you, I am amazed that so much information is available from this website. Will let you know if that was the plane should I be able to confirm.
Patricia

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

I have his service number 806714. Will try and find battery. Thank you
Patricia

Re: Help to identify plane crash
 

Hello, i've checked the Missing Air Crew Report about "Silver Wing", and there is only thi little statement