Memorial

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Statement from 2nd Lt Robert P. Burkhartsmeier, Bombardier, A/C 42-100356: "Our ship, 42-100356, was hit by flak while passing over Dunkirk, France, on our return from the target. We crashed in the English Channel 15 miles off Dunkirk, France, at 1357 hours, 1 April. Two life rafts were floated.

"Lt Pomfret, Co-Pilot, was dazed and, though clear of the wreckage, was unable to reach a raft. Lt Peter A. Wermert, Navigator, removed his shoes and swam out to Lt Pomfret. Lt Wermert, who himself was injured, managed to hold his Co-Pilot above the water for a short time but had to release his hold as he was rapidly losing his strength. This is the last we saw of Lt Pomfret. It is believed that he may have been carried under by the wreckage of the ship.

"Those of us remaining were picked up by a fishing boat, off Dover, England, at 1000 hours, 3 April 1944, and taken to the hospital at Folkestone, England."