B-17G 42-97286 of the 560th Bombardment Squadron, 388th Bombardment Group flew into the eastern face of Beinn Nuis on Arran on the 10th December 1944 while on a  flight form Knettishall to Prestwick. The aircraft crashed close to B-24 42-41030 and C-60 42-56014.

 

Crew / Passengers

Rank - If Applicable

Position e.g. Pilot

Status

John N. Littlejohn Captain Pilot Killed

Robert N. Stoaks

2nd Lieutenant

Co-pilot

Killed 

William J. Frey

2nd Lieutenant

Navigator

Killed

Richard W. Rosebasky 1st Lieutenant Navigator Killed

Leonard W. Bond

2nd Lieutenant

Bomb Aimer

Killed

Joseph A. Payne

Corporal

Engineer

Killed

Albert E. Thomas Corporal Radio Operator Killed
James R. Bell Major Passenger Killed

Jack D. Merkley

2nd Lieutenant  

Passenger

Killed

Charles S. Brown Master Sergeant Passenger Killed
Wade D. Kriner Staff Sergeant Passenger Killed

In the crash report there are three versions of the crew list which contradict each other so the above may not be entirely correct.

 

 

The photo above shows part of one the aircrafts engines (centre), an ammunition container (left) and an oxygen bottle (right). 

 

This photo shows where part of the main spar was cut up and buried after the crash, both ends of the spar can be seen above the surface.

 

This photo shows one of the many collections of wreckage in the rocks below the crash site.

 

Also in the rocks below the crash site is the lower portion of one of the main undercarriage oleos with the wheel still attached.

 

Five of those onboard were buried at Cambridge American Cemetery, below are photographs of their graves.

 

2nd Lieutenant Robert N. Stoaks, Co-pilot.

 

       2nd Lieutenant William V. Frey, Navigator    

 

 

 Major James R. Bell, Passenger.

 

Master Sergeant Charles S. Brown, Passenger.

 

Staff Sergeant Wade D. Kriner, Passenger.

 

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