Greeting - Aircraft of World War II

clmartin · 07-25-2009, 11:26 PM

Hello,

My name is Christy and I am in search of some information. I have already found a couple of posts on your site but and hoping that maybe I can find the right person!

My uncle was a Top Turret/Eng on a B24 Bomber. His plane believed to be named "Repulsor" was shot down on April 22, 1944. There were no survivors. Since this time we have found that this plane actually crashed near Kessingland, England.

There is very little information known. It is known they went on a mission to Germany and was returning to Seething. From witnesses on the ground the plane was hit, burst into flames and crashed to the ground.

I know as well that he was a member of the 448th BG 715 BS.

Please help with any information possible.

FLYBOYJ · 07-25-2009, 11:43 PM

Welcome. Try this site...

B24BestWeb 8500⊕ PICs - AKA BBW - WWII B-24 Liberator Bombers

I looked up the name on their data base and couldn't find anything. Join the forum and you might find something. Good luck!

Amazon.com: The 448th Bomb Group ( H ) - Liberators Over Germany in World War II (9780764314643): Jeffrey E. Brett: Books

Some more

silvertopsengland.com

HOMEPAGE of the 448th Bomb Group

One more...

448thBGp Other Crews

http://www.airwarweb.net/usaaf/8af_1944-04.php

http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/448thBG

vikingBerserker · 07-26-2009, 12:20 AM

Hi Christy,

You could also try:

http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Unit.php?Unitkey=448

If you would like us to help, the more info such as his name or a/c serial number the better. Good luck in your search.

FLYBOYJ · 07-26-2009, 12:31 AM

According to this site the 448th went to Hamm on 22Apr44

New Page 1

FLYBOYJ · 07-26-2009, 12:33 AM

New Page 2

FLYBOYJ · 07-26-2009, 12:56 AM

I'm on a mission now!

HAMM , GERMANY------------------------------------------APRIL 22, 1944---#51

"On this mission (Hamm 22 APR 1944), we returned at dusk. A group of aircraft was off in the distance as we approached the coast of England and were preparing to land and store our guns, etc.The distant aircraft broke formation as we did, as though going into the pattern to land. At that time, the ATS girls and other English Home Guard cut lose with a barrage of anti -aircraft fire. The Germans had flown with us on our trip home! By this time it was also dark. The 448th lost one after the crew bailed at Worlingham, another was shot down at Kessingland ,another shot down in the North Sea near Hopton, and one B-24 that was shot up by one of the intruders crash landed on the Seething Runway with two more B -24s following it in that crashed into it-- making it rather difficult to land.

One aircraft The Vadie Raye burnt off to the side of the runway. We left the runway into the mud, becaue of those crashed planes in The RUTH. Others that were already there were Ice Cold Katie, Tondelayo,and the Sky Queen. The Tondelayo and The Ruth were repaired and returned to service. "The Ruth" continued flying combat missions untill Jan 45 when it crashed. If you have a copy of a book by Jeffery Brett on the 448th BGp he has included several pictures of the aircraft involved. Crew 48 was in the one identified by the "EI"-The RUTH E.K. I have been unable to obtain picures of the 448th aircraft.

{If Sgt LaPoint reads this or anyone that knows him please ask him to contact me. I understand he has pictures of the aircraft we were in that was involved in that crash landing.) I believe also a picture of me being removed from a aircraft on a stretcher on my way to the hospital when I passed out on the Munster mission is available.}

A night to remember! I recall that I had started to unload my guns and started reloading even faster. By that time our aircraft was bouncing on the runway and suddenly came to a halt. I recall we jumped out and took off to get away from the plane as a bandit swung by firing a few rounds as he went over. He was low to the ground and all that could be seen were his tracers and a dark shadow. I doubt that we could have seen that without the light of the burning aircraft to the side of the runway. I also recall lots of mud but that was nothing unusual on that installation. We waded Mud to go from our hut to the bathroom and showers.Someone found a few boards to make a walkway but they too were mud soon after placement. On completion of my missions I was placed on Guard duty in the hardstand area.. We still had an occasional visit from the Germans . It is reported that the damage we received that night, however, was from only 4 ME 410's. I'm certain none of us had time to count or see the aircraft in the moonlight well enough to determine the type or numbers. The loss could also be attributed to Friendly Fire that PM. Five of our aircraft tried to lay claim to the same end of the runway that PM. The Valdie Raye lit the area while the rest attempted to Park in a small space. Other Groups also lost aircraft that Night several - 8th AAF crash landed, were shot down, or wrecked that evening (see The Mighty 8th War Diary by Roger Freeman for more details).

Our pilots memory of that evening-------
"the first thing I remember about bandits was the burning B-24's on the ground and the as we approached our field the tower started yelling "bandits" and about this time red tracers started criss crossing in front of us. Heard no more from tower so made up mind to land even if too fast. WE landed long and came to a stop off the runway between two other B-24's which had landed previously----shut down and ran like hell---the other two crews were already in the revetment------------------------John "

Missions

Njaco · 07-26-2009, 08:27 AM

Welcome to the forum Christy!

from "Battles With The Luftwaffe" Theo Boiten & Martin Bowman pg121 - 124....

"The 11 B-24 groups of the 2nd BD meanwhile, sped back to England as darkness descended. They were still over the North Sea at the official blackout time of 2138 hours. Unbeknown to the crews, they were being chased by several Me-410A-1 intruders of II./KG 51. Led by 5./KG Staffelkapitaen Major Dietrich Puttfarken, the Me-410s had taken off from Soesterberg, Holland to infiltrate the returning bomber stream.....In an instant, a 448th BG B-24 flown by 1/Lt Cherry C. Pitts fireballed, plunged into the sea and vanished beneath the waves with all 10 crew....In the night's confusion, 12 Liberators crashed or crash-landed at Norfolk and Suffolk as a result of KG 51's actions. 38 American crewmen were killed and another 23 injured......"

2 Me 410s were shot down including that of Staffelkapitaen Major Dietrich Puttfarken who was killed. There is a pic in the book of the crash of "Ice Cold Katie" ( 41-28595), "Tondelayo" (41-29240) and "Ruth E. K. Allah Hassid" (41-9575). I'll try to scan if you want.

I know this might not be directly related to your search but may give you some background and info of the mission.

and you want a weird coincidence? A B-24 named "Tondelayo" was lost in the ETO on 22 April 44 (as FlyboyJ posted) and another B-24 named "Tondelayo" was lost on 10 April 44 in the PTO ....

http://www.b24bestweb.com/tondelayo-v3-2.htm

two ships, same name, within 2 weeks.

lesofprimus · 07-26-2009, 08:44 AM

Great info guys, very interesting to read.....

clmartin · 07-26-2009, 11:29 AM

Ok someone asked for more information that I might of had.

His name was S/SGT. James R. Hardin may have gone by JR.

He was the top turret/eng. for a B24 bomber believed to have been called the "Repulsor"

the a/c serial # is 41-28843.

This was the crew:

Pilot 2nd Lt Eugene V Pulcipher Buried at Cambridge American Military Cemetery, England

Co-pilot 2nd Lt Elmer P Meier. Buried in USA.

Navigator 2nd Lt George S Fahr Buried beside his brother in Brittany

Bombardier 2nd Lt William Carcelli

Radio Op S/Sgt Chester Romanosky.

Engineer/gunner S/Sgt James R Hardin.

Nose gunner Sgt William S Davis.

Waist gunner Sgt William H Durant.

Waist gunner Sgt Maynard H Young.

Tail gunner Sgt Carl E Spellman Buried in USA

From what can be told, this was only the second mission the crew flew since coming from USA. The first mission was to Bourges , France in B24H 42-52608, the mission took just over 6 hours and no fighters or flak was encountered.

So from this info we believe they only flew 2 missions and both missions were in different planes.

Thanks for all the help so far.

.

vikingBerserker · 07-26-2009, 11:40 AM

According to the site below, it was called "REPULSER"

unassigned

On a side note, His first ship appears to have been lost on the same mission, accidently being shot down by British Coastal Gunfire.
http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.as...mpage=1#123760

Apparently the Chairman of Kessingland Parish Council was trying to reach your uncle's relatives.
http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.as...mpage=1#173281

FLYBOYJ · 07-26-2009, 11:40 AM

The MACR (accident report) number for this aircraft is 15160. Try this link for more info.

Accident Reports.com - US AIR FORCE & US ARMY AIR FORCES RESEARCH REQUEST

ccheese · 07-26-2009, 12:13 PM

Welcome to the site Christy. Hey... are we talking female here ? If so, that's good, we need more ladies..

Charles

Aaron Brooks Wolters · 07-26-2009, 12:37 PM

Welcome to the forum Christy. These guys are a very helpful bunch and we enjoy it here. Hope you do as well.

wheelsup_cavu · 07-27-2009, 02:13 AM

Welcome to the forum from Sunny

southern California.
I hope the information the guys have provided help you find your answers Christy.

Wheels

Doughboy · 07-27-2009, 09:43 AM

Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you with us. Happy posting.

07-25-2009, 11:43 PM	#2
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	Welcome. Try this site... B24BestWeb 8500⊕ PICs - AKA BBW - WWII B-24 Liberator Bombers I looked up the name on their data base and couldn't find anything. Join the forum and you might find something. Good luck! Amazon.com: The 448th Bomb Group ( H ) - Liberators Over Germany in World War II (9780764314643): Jeffrey E. Brett: Books Some more silvertopsengland.com HOMEPAGE of the 448th Bomb Group One more... 448thBGp Other Crews http://www.airwarweb.net/usaaf/8af_1944-04.php http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/448thBG __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT" Last edited by FLYBOYJ; 07-26-2009 at 12:06 AM.

07-26-2009, 12:20 AM	#3
vikingBerserker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,722	Hi Christy, You could also try: http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Unit.php?Unitkey=448 If you would like us to help, the more info such as his name or a/c serial number the better. Good luck in your search. __________________ "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it" "Those who dwell in the past, condemn the future"

07-26-2009, 12:31 AM	#4
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	According to this site the 448th went to Hamm on 22Apr44 New Page 1 __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"

07-26-2009, 12:56 AM	#6
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	I'm on a mission now! HAMM , GERMANY------------------------------------------APRIL 22, 1944---#51 "On this mission (Hamm 22 APR 1944), we returned at dusk. A group of aircraft was off in the distance as we approached the coast of England and were preparing to land and store our guns, etc.The distant aircraft broke formation as we did, as though going into the pattern to land. At that time, the ATS girls and other English Home Guard cut lose with a barrage of anti -aircraft fire. The Germans had flown with us on our trip home! By this time it was also dark. The 448th lost one after the crew bailed at Worlingham, another was shot down at Kessingland ,another shot down in the North Sea near Hopton, and one B-24 that was shot up by one of the intruders crash landed on the Seething Runway with two more B -24s following it in that crashed into it-- making it rather difficult to land. One aircraft The Vadie Raye burnt off to the side of the runway. We left the runway into the mud, becaue of those crashed planes in The RUTH. Others that were already there were Ice Cold Katie, Tondelayo,and the Sky Queen. The Tondelayo and The Ruth were repaired and returned to service. "The Ruth" continued flying combat missions untill Jan 45 when it crashed. If you have a copy of a book by Jeffery Brett on the 448th BGp he has included several pictures of the aircraft involved. Crew 48 was in the one identified by the "EI"-The RUTH E.K. I have been unable to obtain picures of the 448th aircraft. {If Sgt LaPoint reads this or anyone that knows him please ask him to contact me. I understand he has pictures of the aircraft we were in that was involved in that crash landing.) I believe also a picture of me being removed from a aircraft on a stretcher on my way to the hospital when I passed out on the Munster mission is available.} A night to remember! I recall that I had started to unload my guns and started reloading even faster. By that time our aircraft was bouncing on the runway and suddenly came to a halt. I recall we jumped out and took off to get away from the plane as a bandit swung by firing a few rounds as he went over. He was low to the ground and all that could be seen were his tracers and a dark shadow. I doubt that we could have seen that without the light of the burning aircraft to the side of the runway. I also recall lots of mud but that was nothing unusual on that installation. We waded Mud to go from our hut to the bathroom and showers.Someone found a few boards to make a walkway but they too were mud soon after placement. On completion of my missions I was placed on Guard duty in the hardstand area.. We still had an occasional visit from the Germans . It is reported that the damage we received that night, however, was from only 4 ME 410's. I'm certain none of us had time to count or see the aircraft in the moonlight well enough to determine the type or numbers. The loss could also be attributed to Friendly Fire that PM. Five of our aircraft tried to lay claim to the same end of the runway that PM. The Valdie Raye lit the area while the rest attempted to Park in a small space. Other Groups also lost aircraft that Night several - 8th AAF crash landed, were shot down, or wrecked that evening (see The Mighty 8th War Diary by Roger Freeman for more details). Our pilots memory of that evening------- "the first thing I remember about bandits was the burning B-24's on the ground and the as we approached our field the tower started yelling "bandits" and about this time red tracers started criss crossing in front of us. Heard no more from tower so made up mind to land even if too fast. WE landed long and came to a stop off the runway between two other B-24's which had landed previously----shut down and ran like hell---the other two crews were already in the revetment------------------------John " Missions __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT" Last edited by FLYBOYJ; 07-26-2009 at 01:00 AM.

07-26-2009, 08:27 AM	#7
Njaco The Pop-Tart Whisperer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Jersey, United States Posts: 10,228	Welcome to the forum Christy! from "Battles With The Luftwaffe" Theo Boiten & Martin Bowman pg121 - 124.... "The 11 B-24 groups of the 2nd BD meanwhile, sped back to England as darkness descended. They were still over the North Sea at the official blackout time of 2138 hours. Unbeknown to the crews, they were being chased by several Me-410A-1 intruders of II./KG 51. Led by 5./KG Staffelkapitaen Major Dietrich Puttfarken, the Me-410s had taken off from Soesterberg, Holland to infiltrate the returning bomber stream.....In an instant, a 448th BG B-24 flown by 1/Lt Cherry C. Pitts fireballed, plunged into the sea and vanished beneath the waves with all 10 crew....In the night's confusion, 12 Liberators crashed or crash-landed at Norfolk and Suffolk as a result of KG 51's actions. 38 American crewmen were killed and another 23 injured......" 2 Me 410s were shot down including that of Staffelkapitaen Major Dietrich Puttfarken who was killed. There is a pic in the book of the crash of "Ice Cold Katie" ( 41-28595), "Tondelayo" (41-29240) and "Ruth E. K. Allah Hassid" (41-9575). I'll try to scan if you want. I know this might not be directly related to your search but may give you some background and info of the mission. and you want a weird coincidence? A B-24 named "Tondelayo" was lost in the ETO on 22 April 44 (as FlyboyJ posted) and another B-24 named "Tondelayo" was lost on 10 April 44 in the PTO .... http://www.b24bestweb.com/tondelayo-v3-2.htm two ships, same name, within 2 weeks. __________________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it's English, thank a soldier!" http://www.njcacoa.org/ Last edited by Njaco; 07-26-2009 at 08:33 AM.

07-25-2009, 11:26 PM	#1
clmartin Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3	Greeting Hello, My name is Christy and I am in search of some information. I have already found a couple of posts on your site but and hoping that maybe I can find the right person! My uncle was a Top Turret/Eng on a B24 Bomber. His plane believed to be named "Repulsor" was shot down on April 22, 1944. There were no survivors. Since this time we have found that this plane actually crashed near Kessingland, England. There is very little information known. It is known they went on a mission to Germany and was returning to Seething. From witnesses on the ground the plane was hit, burst into flames and crashed to the ground. I know as well that he was a member of the 448th BG 715 BS. Please help with any information possible.

07-26-2009, 12:33 AM	#5
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	New Page 2 __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"

07-26-2009, 08:44 AM	#8
lesofprimus Minister of Whoopass Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Long Island Native in Mississippi Posts: 17,490	Great info guys, very interesting to read..... __________________ My IL2 Video Tribute to My Grandfather: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtzN5RuNNJk

07-26-2009, 11:29 AM	#9
clmartin Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3	re: Unlce Ok someone asked for more information that I might of had. His name was S/SGT. James R. Hardin may have gone by JR. He was the top turret/eng. for a B24 bomber believed to have been called the "Repulsor" the a/c serial # is 41-28843. This was the crew: Pilot 2nd Lt Eugene V Pulcipher Buried at Cambridge American Military Cemetery, England Co-pilot 2nd Lt Elmer P Meier. Buried in USA. Navigator 2nd Lt George S Fahr Buried beside his brother in Brittany Bombardier 2nd Lt William Carcelli Radio Op S/Sgt Chester Romanosky. Engineer/gunner S/Sgt James R Hardin. Nose gunner Sgt William S Davis. Waist gunner Sgt William H Durant. Waist gunner Sgt Maynard H Young. Tail gunner Sgt Carl E Spellman Buried in USA From what can be told, this was only the second mission the crew flew since coming from USA. The first mission was to Bourges , France in B24H 42-52608, the mission took just over 6 hours and no fighters or flak was encountered. So from this info we believe they only flew 2 missions and both missions were in different planes. Thanks for all the help so far. .

07-26-2009, 11:40 AM	#10
vikingBerserker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,722	According to the site below, it was called "REPULSER" unassigned On a side note, His first ship appears to have been lost on the same mission, accidently being shot down by British Coastal Gunfire. http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.as...mpage=1#123760 Apparently the Chairman of Kessingland Parish Council was trying to reach your uncle's relatives. http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.as...mpage=1#173281 __________________ "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it" "Those who dwell in the past, condemn the future" Last edited by vikingBerserker; 07-26-2009 at 12:00 PM.

07-26-2009, 12:13 PM	#12
ccheese Older Than Dirt Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 7,309	Welcome to the site Christy. Hey... are we talking female here ? If so, that's good, we need more ladies.. Charles __________________ I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look good either....

07-26-2009, 12:37 PM	#13
Aaron Brooks Wolters Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Abingdon, VA. Posts: 2,283	Welcome to the forum Christy. These guys are a very helpful bunch and we enjoy it here. Hope you do as well.

07-27-2009, 02:13 AM	#14
wheelsup_cavu Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Corona, California Posts: 1,534	Welcome to the forum from Sunny southern California. I hope the information the guys have provided help you find your answers Christy. Wheels __________________ Cheers Wheelsup_cavu Wheels's Photos - Time lapse build of an F/A-18 Super Hornet - Lock N' Load

07-27-2009, 09:43 AM	#15
Doughboy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 885	Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you with us. Happy posting. __________________ "This is the day which the lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

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