42-8629

P-47D-5-RE 42-8629 [YF:Z] was assigned to the 355FG/358FS at Steeple Morden, UK. On 7-Nov-43 the aircraft, piloted by F/O Chester W. Watson was despatched with others from 355FG to porivde escort ot B-26 bombers from 9th Air Force attacking the German airfields at Montdidier and Meulan, France. On the return the flight enountered strong headwinds of over 100mph which caused excessive fuel consumption. His aircraft ran out of fuel over the Englsih Channel and he and the aircraft crashed into the sea. 1KIA MACR 1283.

Connections

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Units served with

People

John Leon Ferra

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 4th Fighter Group 336th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38100448
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Crew Chief
Chester Watson

Chester William Watson

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 355th Fighter Group 358th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: T-000998
  • Highest Rank: Flight Officer
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR) Over Water (OW)

English Channel 7 November 1943 Ran out of fuel over the English Channel on return from providing escort to B-26s of 9th Air Forces attacking at Montdidier, France.

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 10-Jul-2015. Added Markings and Description based of "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A> Hey MBE; Made connections to Place and Mission within existing website data and added FTR note per MACR 1283.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 1283 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database