I was at Reigate Hill today to pay respects to the crew of this B-17 which came to grief on 19th March 1945. The aircraft had been on a mission to Plauen oil refinery on the German/Czech border and was returning to Grafton Underwood in Northants. The weather was extremely poor and descending in low cloud the Fortress hit tree tops and exploded on the ground, sadly killing all on board. There remains a gap in the tree line where the aircraft came in.
Today there is a memorial on the site in the form of carved oak B17 wing tips spaced the exact distance apart of the real aircraft. A small info board and memorial bench are also in place.
It was poignant to visit today as it was a damp misty morning without too many people about and limited visibility in to the distance and gazing at the gap in the trees brought home what had taken place. RIP all.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment