1943-aug-19, P47C-2, 41-6216, 56FG/63FS, 2nd.lt.G.L.Hodges

[grvreijn]

Dear all,

I'm looking for more information on the crash of Lt. G.L.Hodges on Aug 19th 1943.

Accoording to the MACR and statemets by 1Lt. Harold E. the P-47 of Hodges was lost in the middle of the Oosterschelde estuary.

However, the SGLO NL loss register shows as crash site the Haringvliet near Hellevoetsluis.

Locals in Hellevoetsluis claim that until in the 60-ies a Plane wreck could be seen just outside the harbour entrance of Hellevoetsluis. Not sure if this is the same.

[shooshoobaby]

grv-
Lt. Hodges was Lt. Comstocks Wingman. Radioed he
had lost Engine Power and turned back - Lt. Comstock
escorted him and Reported Lt. Hodges P - 47 went into
a Long Dive and ditched in Oosterschelde Estuary.
He was POW. MACR # 297
From Book Wolf Pack Warriors by Roger Freeman Page 81
Mike

[Leendert]

GR,

It's not that uncommon that a MACR doesn't say the exact location that's known to us now.
The location was given as best knowledge or recollection one had of the moments when it all happened. Perhaps the pilots reporting at base had had other worries at hand, like engaging German fighters or dodging Flak.
In many cases a better description of the location could only established after the war.
A MACR therefore is a good starting point when and where the missing aircraft was last seen and/or when the last was heard of the pilot.
Given the similarity of the estuaries in Zeeland province, one could easily be mistaken from above what waters one flew over.

Groet,

Leendert

[Leendert]

GR,

Also take a look at http://www.wingstovictory.nl/databas...php?wtv_id=316

that covers Lt. Hodges's loss and many more crashes in your area of your interest.

Groet,

Leendert

[grvreijn]

Hi Leendert, thanks for the reply. Certainly I understand the possibility of mistakes by the pilots. I did and still consider this as well. It is just that the eye witness account by Lt. Comstocks explicitly mentions the the Oosterschelde and Tholen. see:http://www.wingstovictory.nl/database/pdf/316-story.pdf and I did not find any reference to a crash in the haringvliet near Hellevoetsluis yet.