MM386

The crew of Lts. Grimes/Jodar flew a weather flight to Germany on 6th November 1944. The crew encountered adverse weather on return to Watton and diverted to North Pickenham, again because of very strong crosswinds at Watton. Flying on starboard engine only due to fuel shortage, the pilot prepared for an emergency belly landing when contact was lost, On descent, the Mosquito flew into a row of trees shearing off six feet of the left wing. This caused the aircraft to roll over on to its back, then crashed inverted into a field and explode upon impact. Both crew members were killed instantly. The tragedy occurred near the Wending Schoolhouse at approximately 21:10 hrs.

Crew: Lt. Robert C. Grimes (pilot) and Lt. Clarence W. Jodar (obs) USAAF - killed in action.

Connections

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

Units served with

A B-26 Marauder of the 654th Bomb Squadron, 25th Bomb Group, parked on a runway. Handwritten on reverse: '654 BS.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Reconnaissance

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 25th Bomb Group 653rd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 25th Bomb Group 653rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-874312
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Manufactured

Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK 24 November 1943 Built Hatfield, contract number 555/C.23(a), between 24-11-1943 and 4-5-1944.

Crashed

Wendling, Dereham, Norfolk NR19, UK 6 November 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

Production list / mossie.org / http://aviation-safety.net

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Moved information added by user Wattonman from biography to source message.

The accident information is from page 140, Norman Malayney, "The 25th Bomb Group (Rcn) in WWII."

Date
ContributorWattonman
Changes
Sources

Norman Malayney, The 25th Bomb Group (Rcn) in WWII" page 140.

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

Production list / mossie.org / http://aviation-safety.net

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

Production list / mossie.org / http://aviation-safety.net