The B-24D, 41-24298, named, Queenie, was temporarily detached (TDY) from the 8th Air Force from the U.K. to the 9th Air Force in Benghazi, Libya, to assist in Operation Tidal Wave, the large bombing mission to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania. After deploying to Benghazi, Libya, Queenie, took part in the Ploesti mission, flown by Lt. Lewellen L. Brown. The plane was damaged by flak over the target and diverted safely to Sicily. RTB. 1 Aug 1943.





Later, after returning to the U.K. with the 8th Air Force, Queenie, was shot down by ME-109 fighters on a mission to the Bremen, Germany, Port Area. The plane crashed into the North Sea, off west coast Isle of Amrum near Norddorf, Germany. 13 Nov 43. 7 KIA / 4 MIA. 13 Nov, 1943. MACR 2189.



Briefing Report :

"The plane dropped out of formation briefly and was attempting to rejoin the group when it was attacked by German ME-109 fighters. The #2 engine was set on fire and the plane went into a cloud in a flat spin. One of the wings may have separated from the aircraft at that point. The other planes in the formation could not see all of the events due to poor visibility and weather conditions."