42-8416
P-47D-5-RE 42-8416 was assigned to the 355FG/357FS at Steeple Morden, UK. On 13-Dec-1943 the aircraft, piloted by 2LT Donald J. Laing, was despatched along with other P-47s from 355FG to provide escort to bombers attacking at Keil, Germany. On take-off the aircraft struck a tree which knocked off the belly tank and caused structural damage. 2LT Laing headed for the coast and abandoned the aircraft over Sizwell, UK. The aircraft crashed into the English Channel two miles east of Sizewell, UK. 2LT Laing sustained no injuries and Returned to Duty (RTD).
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 357th Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Theberton/Saxmundham
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 13 December 1943
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Crashed |
Sizewell, Leiston, Suffolk IP16, UK | 13 December 1943 | Aircraft struck a tree on take-off. Pilot baled out near Sizewell and aircraft crashed into the English Channel two miles east of Sizewell, UK. |
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 25-Jul-2015. Added NEW aircraft entry based on "Lossed of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE.