42-52123 Thirty Day Furlough

On January 11, 1944, a bomber formation of 372 B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators took off to attack the German aircraft factories in Braunschweig. B-24H 42-52123 'Thirty Day Furlough' had taken off from RAF Seething airbase together with 24 other aircraft of the 713th Bomb Squadron, 448th Bomb Group. This group bombed Meppen and Zundberg at 12:02 as 'targets of opportunity'.

On the way there, B-24H 42-52123 'Thirty Day Furlough' was attacked by several Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters of the 2./JG 27. As a result of the attack by these German fighters, a fire raged in the aircraft. The fire spread to the fuel tanks and the bomb load of 12x500lbs. bombs. This caused B-24H 42-52123 'Thirty Day Furlough' to explode in mid-air. The remains fell in the woods near Exloo, where the wreckage was still burning fiercely. The explosion and subsequent crash killed all crew members.

 

https://www.slodrenthe.nl/b-24h-liberator-42-52123-thirty-day-furlough/

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 448th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 713th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15130316 / O-808492
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 713th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14040228
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 713th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-687928
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 713th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32675587
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 713th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-688184
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Events

Event Location Date Description

Crashed

Failed to Return (FTR)

Exloo, Holland 11 January 1944 Crashed in the woods near Exloo following attacks by German Bf 109 fighters

Revisions

Date
ContributorYannicW
Changes
Sources

https://www.slodrenthe.nl/b-24h-liberator-42-52123-thirty-day-furlough/ --> website of foundation 'Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe' who placed a information panel near the crashlocation.

Date
ContributorYannicW
Changes
Sources

https://www.slodrenthe.nl/b-24h-liberator-42-52123-thirty-day-furlough/ --> website of foundation 'Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe' who placed a information panel near the crashlocation.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 2518 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database