P47 41-6367, 56th FG

[Adam]

Can anyone shed light on why this machine belly landed at Dunwich on 20 December 1943 - combat damage, mechanical failure, fuel starvation? Likewise, who was the pilot on the day?

[Revi16]

Neither of these incidents are dated Dec. 43.

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/s...367&Submit4=Go

GL - Ground loop
KCR - Killed in Crash

[Peter Randall]

20th December 1943, 41-6367, UN-X of 63rd FS belly-landed (Category B) near Dunwich due to running out of gas. Pilot was Lt. Charles W Reed who was returning from a Ramrod to Bremen. Reed was flying Blue 4, wingman to "Bunny" Comstock at Blue 3. Blue section was led by Sylvester Burke with Adam Wisniewski at Blue 2.
Peter

[Peter Randall]

Come to think of it, there is a photo in my and Nigel Julian's book "Zemke's Wolfpack - a Photographic Odyssey of the 56th Fighter Group During the Second World War". Here's the caption that goes with the photo:

Returning from the Bomber Escort (Ramrod) mission of 20th December 1943, Lt Charles Reed, Corpus Christi, TX, ran out of fuel and was forced to belly-land P-47C-5-RE 41-6367 UN-X just after crossing the coast at Dunwich, Suffolk, less than 10 miles from Halesworth. Upon completion of repairs, 6367 was transferred to the 495th FTG at Atcham.

Peter

[Adam]

Thanks for this - much appreciated!