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Re: 18 RAF aircraft damaged/destroyed at Evere airfield (Belgium) on 10/01/1945
Hi Alex,
Many thanks for the Anson information.
Four Ansons were Cat AC.
Two Dakotas were Cat E1 and one Dakota was Cat E2.
The reports that another B-17 destroyed some RAF aircraft at B-58 Melsbroek are probably based on an error in the serial of the B-17 and the fact that the communications were done at B-58 Melsbroek. A Form 14 was completed for 42-29888, but the aircraft in question was 43-37988. On 11/01/1945 1Lt. Clark of VIII AFSC Service Center Sta. B-58 requested the Commanding officer of the same Center to inform the Commanding Office VIII Air Frce and the Commanding Officer AAF Station 121 of the crash of aircraft 988 on 10 January 1300 at Strip B-56. The next day this message was transmitted but it mentioned 9888 B-17-G. The additional digit of the serial was probably the cause of the error in the serial of the aircraft.
The records of 91 BG mention the following details about the crash :
B-17 aircraft number 988 of 324th Squadron, 91st Bomb.Group, Station 121 piloted by Lt.Martin endeavoured to land at B-58 in extreme poor visibility and with at least one engine out. Proceeded to B-56 and land but overshot the runway crashing into a C-47 and on into a British hanger, filled with small aircraft. Shortly afterwards the bombload on B-17 exploded. Demolished the Hangar and destroyed several British aircraft. No British personnel casualties as far as can be determined. But named Cpl M.C.Guire, injured and hospitalized. Following of B-17 crew hospitalized: F/O.Strauss, Sgt. F.Klinek, Sgt.J. Dunlap and 2/Lt. Eldred (Nav.) three crushed verterbrais. The following men were killed : Sgt.Broddus and Sgt.Cornett. Balance of crew safe but two members, names not known as yet, slightly injured. All possible help has been rendered to the British authorities at B-56 to clean up the wreckage and complete the investigation being made by our detachment at B-58.
(Sources: AFHRA reels 46467 and A580)
Best regards
Luc
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