18 RAF aircraft damaged/destroyed at Evere airfield (Belgium) on 10/01/1945

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,

On 10 January 1945 at approx. 12h50 B-17G-75-BO 43-37988 91 BG was seen flying in the fog east to west and losing height over Evere airfield. The height was approx. 50 ft when passing the No.127 Wing Flying Control Van. The aircraft was south of the runway and touched down three quarters way across the field, hitting a Dakota and carrying it into a double-bay hangar on the west side of the airfield. Visibility was very bad at the time, the maximum being no more than 50 to 100 yards. All the crew except the tail gunner and the ball turret gunner got out of the aircraft, at the same time warning personnel in the vicinity to take over owing to bombs being on board. The bomb load comprising 38 x 100 lb G.P.bombs. Approx. 5 minutes after the crash the bomb load exploded, completely destroying a hanger and severely damaging aircraft in the vicinity. All Station Fire Tenders and Crash Ambulances immediately proceeded to the scene of the accident, and the Brussels Military Fire Service was called in and assisted in getting the fire under control. A detachment of the Pioneer Corps was called in to assist in clearing up the debris.

From statements made by surviving members of the crew of the B-17 it appears that two motors had failed and another was failing. Owing to the fog it was not thought desirable to jettison bombs so they were made safe before landing. Neither 127 Wing or 105 Staging Post Flying Control Sections received any messages from the aircraft. The crew knew that it was Brussel/Evere airfield but owing to the fog could not distinguish the runway.

Casualties: 2 members of the crew of the B-17 killed, 3 members of the same crew injured, 1 American soldier in the vicinity injured, 22 RAF personnel and 3 civilian labourers slightly injured by flying glass, etc.

18 RAF aircraft were damaged/destroyed :
KG599 Dakota 48 Squadron – completely destroyed
? Dakota
? Dakota
? Spitfire
NJ681 Auster V 2 GP CF
NJ736 Auster V 2 GP CF
NJ716 Auster V 111 WG
? Auster
? Auster
NK788 Anson ATA
MG582 Anson ATA
NL233 Anson 2 GCS
NL235 Anson 2 GCS
NL237 Anson 2 GCS
NL149 Anson 84 GCS
? Anson
? Anson
? Anson

(Sources : ORB of Evere airfield and others)

Looking for additional details of the damaged/destroyed aircraft.
Many thanks and best regards

Luc