42-51226

42-51226 of 482nd BG/36th BS. Equipped as RCM plane with IFF equipment and attached to RAF No.100 Squadron for bomber support, it was flying a secret Radio Counter Measure mission on 10 November 1944. Motor #4 was hit by Flak over eastern France/Belgium and caught fire. Engine #3 began to lose power on way back to base. As the plane neared the Channel, Pilot Joseph R. Hornsby realized they couldn't reach England and he ordered the crew to bail out. Nose gunner Frank A. Bartho was probably trapped in his turret and Navigator Frederick G. Grey and Waist Gunner Raymond G. Mears stayed on board, trying to help him. All three were killed in the explosion and crash. Crashed near Tincourt-Boucly, France. No MACR (Missing Air Crew Report).

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 36th Bomb Squadron (Radar Counter Measures).
  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Lieutenant John C "Red" Morgan of the 482nd Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Lt Red Morgan, Cong, Med of Hon.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 482nd Bomb Group 36th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36515334
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Nose Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Unit: 36th Bomb Group 482nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 31311144
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator / RCM Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 482nd Bomb Group 36th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17151905 and O-727204
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 482nd Bomb Group 36th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-462844
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 482nd Bomb Group 36th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33556665
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Places

Missions

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 43-97968) of the 486th Bomb Group bombs the target during a mission. Printed caption on reverse: '54979 AC- BOMBING THROUGH CLOUD- Flying Fortresses of US 8th AF bombed German airfield at Wiesbaden, west of Franksurt, Nov 10th through broken cloud. Attack made in support of Gen Patton's 3rd Army advance was designed to ground German Aircraft. US Air Force Photo.'
  • Date: 10 November 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

Website link to story of 42-51226 and crew at http://francecrashes39-45.net/recits_avions/42-51226.pdf