crash B-24 on 29.11.1944

[manniw]

Who can help me?

On November 29, 1944, at around 2:00 p.m., a B-24 crashed near Grevenbroich, Germany. According to German records, five people were captured and one was fatally injured.
I have not yet been able to locate this aircraft. Can anyone provide more detailed information?

Thank you and best regards
Manni

[Buckeye30]

Hi Manni. This was B-24J 42-50472 (445BG) the only B-24 lost on Mission 729 to the Bielefeld / Altenbeken rail viaducts; pilot 1/Lt. Stan Morley. 2 engines out possibly to Flak.
MACR 11215.

Regards
Nick

[manniw]

Hi Nick,
Thanks for the quick reply. But I have slight doubts as to whether this is the machine I'm looking for. The German documents I have mention a B-17 that crashed on November 29, 1944, at 2:00 p.m. near Pütz/Harff, close to Grevenbroich. However, the German anti-aircraft records refer to a “LIBERATOR” shot down near Pütz.
There are also two KU numbers (KU-3505 and KU-3490) which, in my opinion, refer to the same crash. However, it is not clear whether this was a B-17 or a B-24. And according to the USAF daily report on the attacks of November 29, 1944, no loss of a B-17 is recorded...so I'll have to dig a little deeper.
Thanks and best regards
Manni

[Revi16]

Both KU's refer to a Fortress.

KU-3490 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147910419?objectPage=2
KU-3505 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/147910822

[manniw]

Thanks Revi,
I am familiar with both KU reports and have them on file.
Thanks and best regards,
Manni

[Revi16]

In KU-3505, page 2, indicates the engines (Motore) were built by Studebaker. Studebaker was licensed to build the Wright R-1820 during WWII. This is marked on the engine Data Plate.
https://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/studebaker.htm

Studebaker built the R-1820 (9 cyl.) used on the B-17, but did not build the R-1830 (14 cyl.) used on the B-24. Perhaps the Flak guys may have gotten it wrong.

I'm curious why they only found 6 people total whether B-17 or B-24?

[manniw]

Hi Revi,
The whole story is a bit unclear anyway. Take a look at KU 3490, it refers to the same crash. It states that the crashed aircraft lay there completely unattended for several weeks. All important components were removed according to the report dated December 17, 1944. It also notes that a human skeleton was found at the crash site and buried in the cemetery in Kirchherten.
The fact that only five men were captured is just a snapshot. Other jumpers may have been captured further away, but this was not included in the report.
And yes, you are right, it is quite possible that the FLAK crew made a mistake and could not distinguish a B-24 from a B-17. But no B-17 was reported lost on that day... so it's all very unclear...
Regards
Manni

[edwest2]

The B-17 was sometimes used for dropping agents.

[Revi16]

Obviously there are various places where a typo or mistake could have been made but the remark about motors built by Studebaker is pretty clear they found a B-17.

Perhaps the B-17 came down on the 28th or 30th? How about an RAF B-17?

???

[Buckeye30]

The 2- RAF RCM squadrons (214 Fortress and 223 Liberator) were operating on "Window" and Jamming on nights, 28/29 and 29/30 Nov. but no losses.

Regards
Nick
(The KUs give the time as 1400 as Manni noted).