42-7555 Lizzie

On 12/22/43, while returning from a mission to Osnabruck, Germany (445th BG Mission 4), the aircraft was heavily damaged by German fighters & the navigator was killed. The pilot was able to return to England by jettisoning everything possible to reduce weight. Sadly, the crew was forced to make the agonizing decision to include the body of the dead navigator. The aircraft made a crash-landing at RAF Manston.

Connections

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

Units served with

A pathfinder B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-51681) of the 453rd Bomb Group flies in formation with a fellow Liberator of the 453rd and and a pathfinder Liberator of the 445th Bomb Group. Image via Alan Rowsell.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 701st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-687923
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 701st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Civilian
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 701st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-681109
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Signal Squares on the airfield at Tibenham, B-24 Liberators of the 398th Bomb Group are visible in the background. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Tibenham Signal Squares.'
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Tivetshall

Revisions

Date
ContributorUALDC8
Changes
Sources

AFHRA - Reels A0654 & B0556
Losses of the US 8th & 9th Air Forces - Vol 1
Battle Colors - Vol 1
Mike Simpson's 445th Bomb Group Website
The Mighty 8th War Diary

Date
ContributorUALDC8
Changes
Sources

Air Force Historical Research Agency - Reels A0654 & B0556
Losses of the US 8th & 9th Air Forces - Vol 1
Battle colors - Vol 1
Mike Simpson's 445th BG Website
The Mighty 8th War Diary