B-17 42-38009 Plaques
Details:
On the wall of the hall beside the tourism office.
Three rounded-rectangular metal plaques engraved with commemoration messages written in French and English. Originally, there is only one plaque. The second plaque was added by the children of Sgt Wilczek and Cpt Kelly on October 10, 2015. The third was on June 11, 2019, by the daughters of Sgt Campbell. These plaques remember the crew of the B-17 #42-38009 that crashed near the commune as well as their rescuers.
On June 15, 1944, during a bombing mission, #42-38009 was hit by heavy flak setting fire to one engine. All crew members bail out before the B-17 crashes near Bazas. Through the help of local citizens and maquis, they were able to escape and evade German capture.
The crew that day:
2Lt |
Charles Herbert |
Kelly |
Pilot |
2Lt |
Robert Charles |
Disbrow |
Co-Pilot |
F/O |
Frank A J |
Champ |
Navigator |
Sgt |
Simon John |
Wilczek |
Bombardier |
S/Sgt |
Charles F |
Brashear |
Mechanic/Gunner |
S/Sgt |
Harold C Jr |
Brooks |
Radio Operator/ Gunner |
Sgt |
Ralph J |
Workman |
Ball Turret Gunner |
Sgt |
Alfred M |
Campbell |
Right Waist Gunner |
Sgt |
Donald S |
Graham |
Tail Gunner |
Source of information: francecrashes39-45.net, www.aerosteles.net
Source of photos: www.aerosteles.net
Monument Text:
(From the top plaque to the bottom)
First plaque:
En souvenir des membres cie l'équipage du B17
américain tombé ia Coimères le 15 juin 1944.
En hommage aux habitants et aux résistants du
Bazadais qui ont permis leur retour en Angleterre.
English translation:
In memory of the members of the crew of the American B17
crew that fell in Coimères on June 15, 1944.
In homage to the inhabitants and the resistance fighters of
Bazadais who allowed their return to England.
Second Plaque:
With deep gratitude to the French Resistance and the
people of Bazadais for saving the lives of our fathers in
the summer of 1944.
and
for their continued friendship and camaraderie with the
people of The United States of America
With Love from the Sons and Daughters
of Sgt. Simon J. Wilczek and Capt. Charles H. Kelly
October 10, 2015
Third Plaque:
In remembrance of the nine American airmen whose B17
was downed on June 15, 1944, and the inhabitants and
resistance fighters of Bazadais who rescued them.
Let us never forget the courageous deeds of these men
and women 75 years ago in the summer of 1944.
With eternal gratitude from the daughters of
Sgt. Alfred M. Campbell, Jr.
2019, June 11
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
534th Bomber Squadron, 381st Bomb Group
US Army Air Corps
Wars:
WWII
Other images :