Memorial

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The airplane dropped from #2 to #6 formation position after crossing the Dutch border into Germany. The #2 engine was smoking slightly at bombs away and was feathered when smoking became violent. On the second bomb run the pilot was unable to make the turn and dropped behind the formation. His lagging B-17 was spotted by a ME-109 who inflicted additional damage. It was about four miles behind and 2,000 feet below the formation when the bail out order was given.

The pilot, Lt Van Weelden, was advised after capture that the bodies of the four killed crewmen had been found on the ground near the crashed B-17. He believed that this was untrue since he had flown a long distance after the crew bailed out and that the four men had been shot and murdered by the Germans.