Memorial

More information

1st Lt John W. Hesketh graduated from Pawtucket High School in 1939.

Statement by Lt Pollock, the co-pilot who survived: "Lost formation over Channel, 10 minutes out from Belgian coast. Flew around, attempting to get bearings. Located Lt Howard's plane and followed it to landfall at Ostend. We were just south of the course, made corrected heading and flew up to ETA and hadn't located Ghent, continuing on, during this time, with Howard. Located small town, from name on railroad station and followed railroad to Ghent, then continued on course. Ceiling continued to improve from that point. Reached IP and again corrected heading flying toward Reusel. Were off to west of course; were ten minutes flying time out of IP, flying at 800 feet - Mean Sea Level - when subjected to heavy enemy fire which included flak, small arms and 20 mm. The left engine and fuel tanks were hit and the entire under section of the fuselage was aflame. The radio operator, Martin Worobrow, gave the alarm. Lt Hesketh gave orders to bail out. He, meanwhile, remained at the controls. The radio operator, crew chief and Lt Pollock, in that order, cleared the ship. In the pilot's compartment, Lt Hesketh told Lt Pollock to get going. Lt Pollock saw Lt Hesketh stand and reach up with both hands to unfasten the escape hatch. F/O Colston, in towed glider, observed this hatch leave the ship. Lt Pollock turned toward the rear door, unfastening his flak suit and adjusting his parachute as he moved and jumped without again looking back.

It is definitely established that Lt Hesketh did not get clear of the airplane. F/O Colston noted that immediately when the last parachute left, the plane fell off on the left wing and dove in, exploding on contact. The plane did not disintegrate, but continued to blaze on the ground. The natives reported that one parachute, that of Martin Worobrow, had not opened. Lt Hesketh's dog tag was found in the burned ashes of the plane. Both were buried next to the aircraft.

Two crew members bailed out safely.