crash B-24 on 29.11.1944

[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?

???