Monument to American Flyers, Dwingeloo

Aircraft crash site

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Detailed History

On 11 January 1944, B-24 (serial number 41-28593) nicknamed "Prodigal Son" was shot down by German night fighters and crash landed in a meadow near Dwingeloo, Netherlands. 5 members of the crew were killed in the incident.



A Memorial was erected in 1990 to the fallen airmen, comprised of a Norwegian rock of granite, and a black impala-granite plaque. The boulder is surrounded by a low, square hedge.



The plaque lists the following text.



On January 11, 1944 are collapsed U.S. B-24 Liberator bomber "The Prodigal Son" down which the crew members listed below were killed:



Harold E. White

Jim Biggerstaff

Raymond L. Thurber

Harvey E. Smith

Willard R. Malwitz



The monument is located on the corner Holtien / Dwingelerveld current in Dwingeloo (Westerveld Municipality).



The creation of the memorial was initiated by the Stichting Dwingels Eigen.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-676535
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36281759
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18015585
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 19175397
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 39278598
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: The Prodigal Son
  • Unit: 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Information provided by Dorris Buhr,

Memorial page on Waymarking