42-22490 Beetle

P-47D-2-RA 42-22490 [OS:U] "Beetle" was assigned to the 355FG/358FS at Steeple Morden, UK. On 7-Nov-43 the aircraft, piloted by 2LT William E. Roach, was despatched with others from 355FG to provide escort to b-26 bombers of the 9th Air Force that were attacking German airfields at Montdidier and Meulan, France. On the return his flight ran into headwinds of over 100mph which caused excessive fuel consumption. His aircraft ran out of fuel and he made a forced landing at the German airfield at Caen, France and was taken as a Prisoner of War (POW).

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Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 355th Fighter Group 358th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-796736
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Forced Landing

Caen, France 7 November 1943 Ran out of fuel and made a forced landing at the German airfield at Caen, France and was captured.

Revisions

Date
ContributorTanks
Changes
Sources

Corrected spelling mistakes

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 10-Jul-2015. Added Nickname, Markings and Description based on the "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE; Added FTR event per MACR 1283.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 1281 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database