43-10205

Assigned to 645BS, 410BG, 9AF USAAF. On 7 June 1944 aircraft A-20 Havoc 43-10205 was assigned a target at LaHaye, France. On return the pilot John Metz called that the aircraft was on one engine and he was leaving the formation over the English channel 25 miles north of the French coast. The left engine caught fire which spread to the inboard gas tanks. At 2110 hrs at about 1,00 feet the left wing came off and the aircraft crashed into the channel about 25 miles south of Brighton, Sussex, after two men had bailed out. Despite Air Sea Rescue search no sign of the crew was found. All were killed in action.



A photograph of the aircraft and crew can be found at :

http://www.justinmuseum.com/jkjustin/0410photo15.html

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 410th Bomb Group 645th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15067448
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 410th Bomb Group 645th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17065003 / O-803245
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 410th Bomb Group 645th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37245877
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Engineer / Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Crashed

Failed to Return (FTR) Over Water (OW)

English Channel 7 June 1944 - 7 June 1944 Failed to Return (FTR) Over Water (OW) 7-Jun-44. A/C lost a wing after engine fire and spun in. 3 x KIA MACR 5653

Assigned

Gosfield, UK Assigned to 645BS, 410BG, 9AF USAAF.

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Date
Changes
Sources

Details from:
- "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces" Bishop & Hey, Volume 3 p 568;
- https://www.abmc.gov/node/541190#.W21nUDKWwdV;
- MACR 5653

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 5653 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database