William M Shoemaker

Military ROLL OF HONOUR

Killed while engaged in firefighting operations when a Halifax bomber crashed and then exploded near Duxford Airbase, England. Lt Shoemaker was appointed Commanding Officer when the 2027th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon was activated at Harding Field in August 1943, crossing the Atlantic to Duxford three months later. He also directed fire-fighting when B 17 42-102937 crashed into buildings killing 13 at Duxford in July 1944.

Connections

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Units served with

People

Bruce W Rutledge

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 66th Fighter Wing 2027th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: 2027th Commanding Officer (Nov 44 - Apr 45)

Places

Line up of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, at Duxford air base. September 1944. Printed caption on reverse of print: '55432 AC - War Birds Home To Rest - Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up on an 8th Air Force field in England after a daylight sweep over Germany. Crews have finished inspections and refueling.'

Duxford

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: "Duckpond"

Events

Event Location Date Description

Died

3 September 1944 Killed while directing fire-fighting after a RCAF Halifax - laden with bombs - exploded after crashing at Pampisford Wych near Duxford. Two Military Police and a senior officer from 66th FW were also killed. The explosion left a 45-foot wide crater.

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Removed extra info in the "Role/job" field.

Date
ContributormiAmigo
Changes
Sources

US Army Fire Trucks at War Association.

Date
Contributorusaeff
Changes
Sources

Fire Trucks At War: http://www.firetrucks-atwar.com/
Army Firefighting website: http://www.armyfirefighting.com
http://www.station131.co.uk/78th_FG/Memorial_page.htm

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Duxford Diary