Site last updated 1st February 2012
Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

 Peak District Air Accident Research

 

B-24J Liberator 42-50668 of the 854th Bombardment Squadron, 491st Bombardment Group, 8th USAAF, flew into Black Hameldon, near Burnley on the 19th February 1945 whilst flying from North Pickenham to B.A.D. 1 at Burtonwood.

Image: Mark Sheldon

Crew / Passengers Rank - If Applicable Position e.g. Pilot Status
Charles Albert Goeking 1st Lieutenant   Pilot  Injured
George H. Smith 2nd Lieutenant Co-pilot Killed 
Frank E. Bock 1st Lieutenant Navigator Killed
Howard E. Denham Technical Sergeant Flight Engineer Killed
Leslie E. Johnson Technical Sergeant Radio Operator Injured
Joseph B. Walker III 2nd Lieutenant Passenger Killed
Elmer R. Brater 2nd Lieutenant Passenger Killed
Gerald Procita Flight Officer Passenger Killed
David A. Robinson Flight Officer Passenger Killed
Randolph R. Mohlhenrich Sergeant Passenger Killed
Robert D. Hyett Sergeant Passenger Injured

 

Today at the crash site there are the two main undercarriage legs and many tiny fragments of metals lying on a large bare patch on the western side of Black Hameldon. 

Sergeant Mohlhenrich, one of the six passengers on board the aircraft.

Image Copyright Ann Mohlhenrich via Tom Wilson.

 

A cairn topped by part of the undercarriage can also be found at the crash site.

 

A number of the crew and passengers were buried at Cambridge American Cemetery.

 

 

 

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