Alex Smart
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77th BS loss on June 4th 1942
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08/04/2008 08:54:40 AM
Hi,
Anyone have the details of the aircraft type, its serial number and any Squadron markings or letter/number of the aircraft that was lost on the 4th June 1942 while with the 77th Bomber Squadron, 28th Bomber Group ?
The fate of all the aircrew would also be good if known.
One , 2Lt. James L. Smart still MIA.
Many thanks
Alex
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Paul Clouting
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Re:77th BS loss on June 4th 1942
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08/07/2008 05:16:53 PM
Alex,
I don't have serial number, but I believe the aircraft was a Martin B-26 Marauder, and possibly a 73rd BS aircraft. The information I do have below, is taken from 28th BG records:
"On 4th June 1942, a 73rd BS B-26 flown by Capt. George Thornborough, made an unsuccessful torpedo attack, and returned to Cold Bay, where the aircraft was refuelled and loaded with 500lb bombs before heading out again to attack the Japanese ships. Later that night, the aircraft was heard by the control tower to be over the station at 9,000 feet, but was not heard from again. Crew were: Lt. Norman A Nysteen, Lt. James L Smart, Lt. James F Lee, S/Sgt. Joseph L Wiseman, Sgt. Roy E Jordon, and Sgt. Howard K Jaycox. Possibly also on board was Lt. John J Jarvis, who is listed as killed on the same day. The radio operator was found washed up ashore a month later, still strapped in his seat."
Hope this helps.
Regards & best wishes
Paul Clouting
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Alex Smart
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957
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596
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Re:77th BS loss on June 4th 1942
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08/08/2008 07:55:43 AM
hello Paul,
Many Many Thanks for your reply.
It was just what I was looking for.
Did not expect that there would have been eight men aboard as the early B26's crew was if I am correct only five.
Maybe the extra men were acting as observers ?
Wonder if she was flown into the sea ( happens over water at night a lot i've heard) or whether something went badly wrong before landing and she broke up when she was ditched ?
Don't suppose we will ever know.
Again Many thanks for your help.
Alex
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PAISANO
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Re:77th BS loss on June 4th 1942
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08/10/2008 10:09:46 AM
Alex,
The airplane is reported to be B-26 40-1408 of the 73rd Bombardment Squadron. The same 7 crew members are listed as being aboard. As I recall reading the last transmission recieved from the plane indicated that there was nothing below them but fog and they could not find the base. They reported that there was less than 15 minutes of fuel left, and they were going down to try to find a beach to land on. Nothing further was heard from them. Because of the Japenese presence, there were no lights or radio beacons to guide them.
Ed
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