Frank L Watkins

Military ROLL OF HONOUR

Killed in Action (KIA) on B-26 mission to Dieppe Port Area. Earlier 3 Engine failure on mission 5 September 1943 in B26 41-34693. Crash landed at Honington. Crew returned. .

DFC, AM w/ 6 Oak Leaf Cluster

Rest of the crew on the last mission: Maj. William J. Heather, pilot, 0-727724; Capt. Clark T. Dean, Bombardier, 0-663242; 1 Lt. Curtis E. "Buck" Wheat, Navigator, 0-731349; 1 Lt. Arthur J. Smyth, "Gee" navigator, 0-791865; S/sgt. Raymond D. Hamley, Engineer/gunner, 20213665; T/sgt. Richard G. Keefer, Radio/gunner, 13087561.

Connections

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Units served with

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Died

20 May 1944 Watkins was listed on the MACR as the tail gunner on the Battlin Bitch on its last mission over the Dieppe Port area. They were evidently the lead plane in a box formation. There was heavy flak over the target and the left engine was damaged. One report stated that, after the bombing run, the engine was smoking, but the plane was under control, and heading for England. Another states that the ship turned back toward France and was then seen losing altitude and going into the Channel, near Dieppe, around 1930 (local). No wreckage was recovered, and the only body recovered was that of S/sgt. Hamley, when it washed ashore some time later.

Born

Pennsylvania

Revisions

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Contributorhopkins-lu
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Sources

macr4966

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Contributorhopkins-lu
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Sources

macr4966, b26.com; us militaria forum search for Raymond Hamley

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Contributorhopkins-lu
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macr4966

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ContributorAAM
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Sources

Combat Chronology, WWII Memorial,Losses of the 8th & 9th AFs Vol. I by Bishop & Hey p. 266 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia