B-24 Liberator “Beast of Bourbon” ,Memorial ,Long Marston, Buckinghamshire

On the 19th Feb 1945 a 36BS B24H Liberator R4H serial No 42-50385 Took off from USAAF Base Cheddington ST113 at 09.16 but just half a mile west of runway 26 due to weather conditions and instrument failure the Liberator came down just missing a row of cottages in the village of Long Marston, The B24 had ploughed through two hedges crossed Astrope Lane then took out two trees before coming to rest in the centre of a field being used for cattle grazing, On board was ten crew members and extra Navigator as it was his check ride! After the crash Navigator 1st Lt John D Howarth managed to get out and run but returned to get his buddies out, He knew it was very risky but had to do it, 7 minutes later the B24 set on fire with 3 Of the crew still trapped they perished in their Plane! He carried this with him until now.


The three men died in the crash were Sgt Carl E. Lindquist, 21, Pvt Fred K. Becker, 20, and Pvt Howard F. Haley, 20


Aces, Contrails & Unsung Heroes • View topic - 36BS "BEAST OF BOURBON" MEMORIAL UNVAILING AND DANCE
Tribute to victims of wartime plane crash - Local - Bucks Herald

YouTube - ‪B24 Liberator Beast of Bourbon Memorial 36 BS "The Gremlins" 7/5/11 England‬‏

Long Marston.org » B-24 Liberator “Beast of Bourbon”

http://s162152888.websitehome.co.uk/pdfNews/WLMPVillageNewsJune11web.pdf

 

36th Bomb Squadron Home Page-Personnel- Aircraft- Nose Art

 

That is what I call a memorial to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Well done Clive!

Best,

Steve.

 

Thanks Clive.