Introduction

On the night of 25th - 26th February 1944, the Lancaster LM593, took off from RAF Mepal in Cambridgeshire, England, under the command of Pilot Flight Officer James Allan Fleming. This brave crew was tasked with a crucial mission: to destroy the OPEL Automotive gearbox assembly plant located in Rüsselsheim, Germany. However, tragedy struck before they could reach their target. In a catastrophic incident, the aircraft exploded midair, a violent disintegration that sent burning fragments raining down over the tranquil village of Nunkirchen, Germany. The explosion not only marked the loss of the aircraft and its crew but also left an indelible scar on the community, witnessing the devastating impact of war.

Crew of the New Zealand Pilot Flemming, 75 Squadron Lancaster III, LM593 AA:N: Sims (not on mission), Dale, Fleming, Slater, Smith (not on mission), Stewart, Vincent. Source: Roderik Voorhoeve

1944 Aircraft Crash of 75 Squadron Lancaster III, LM593 AA:N
Operation: Opel works Rüsselsheim
Date:25/26th August 1944 (Friday/Saturday)
Unit: 75 Squadron
Type: Lancaster III
Serial: LM593
Code AA:N
Base: RAF Mepal Cambridgeshire
Location of accident - Aircraft mid-air Explosion: Nunkirchen (Village), District Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany
Pilot: Fg Off. James Allan Fleming 422382 RNZAF Age, Killed in Action
Flt Eng: Sgt. Kenneth Erik Croxon 1893473 RAFVR Age 31, Killed in Action
Nav: Fg Off James Atkinson Dale 425562 RNZAF Age 27, Killed in Action
Bomb Aimer: Flt Sgt. Frank Arthur Vincent 395910 RAFVR Age 21, Killed in Action
WOp/Air Gnr: Sgt. Eric Garforth 2206796 RAFVR Age 21, Killed in Action
Air Gnr: Sgt. Edwin Slater 2210570 RAFVR Age 20.Killed in Action
Air Gnr: Sgt. Alan Raymond Bryce Stewart 1344346 RAFVR Age? Killed in Action

The Air Base - 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF

Royal Air Force Mepal, commonly known as RAF Mepal, is a former Royal Air Force station located just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) south of Mepal, Cambridgeshire, England, and 5.9 miles (9.5 km) west of Ely, Cambridgeshire.

On Wednesday, July 21, 1943, 14 young men arrived at Mepal airfield, which was home to the 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF, near Ely, Cambridge. They joined the squadron much like many young men had done before them. Tragically, out of the 15 squadron members, 6 would lose their lives while serving.

The Mission - Fatal flight

On the evening of August 25, 1944, at exactly 8:25 PM, the valiant 75 Squadron took to the skies in a Lancaster MK.III, designated by tail number LM593 and code AA:N. Under the skilled leadership of Flight Officer James Allan Fleming, the crew departed from RAF Mepal in Cambridgeshire, England, on a critical mission: to obliterate the OPEL Automotive gearbox assembly plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. This strategic operation aimed to incapacitate a key component of the German war machine for as long as possible, demonstrating unwavering resolve in the fight for freedom.

This marked the beginning of a harrowing mission to strike the industrial heart of Rüsselsheim. Tragically, the aircraft known as LM 593 did not return from this crucial operation, leaving a profound and heart-wrenching void in the lives of those who anxiously awaited its safe return. The loss reverberated like a haunting echo, casting a shadow over the hopes and dreams of all who loved and supported the brave crew.

During a crucial mission, the 75 Squadron Lancaster III aircraft LM593 was soaring through the skies when it suddenly erupted in a catastrophic explosion, shrouded in mystery. This harrowing incident unfolded 78 miles (126 km) southwest of its intended target, casting a shadow over the tranquil village of Münchweiler in Saarland, Germany. The mighty aircraft descended in a fiery spiral before crashing into the dense, enveloping forest of Nunkirchen, known locally as Zanders Heck. In this tragic turn of events, all on board perished, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who knew them.

The crash site, a haunting testament to a tragic event, is nestled amid the serene woods on the right side of Country Road L-152, which gracefully winds its way from Nunkirchen to Thailen. Located just 1 kilometer before the significant intersection with Weierweiler, this spot serves as a poignant reminder of the past. Remarkably, it is situated only 1 kilometer from the War Cemetery in Nunkirchen, a place steeped in history and reverence. Here, the seven crew members, who made the ultimate sacrifice, were initially laid to rest, ensuring their bravery and memories are forever honored in this poignant landscape.

Historical Information - Nunkirchen, Saarland Germany

The 79. Infanterie-Division of the German Wehrmacht was tasked with the crucial responsibility of securing the frontier and the imposing Westwall, more commonly referred to as the Siegfried Line. In September 1939, with a sense of urgency and purpose, they established a well-equipped field hospital (Lazarett) in the quaint village of Nunkirchen, poised to provide essential care for the courageous soldiers wounded in battle. To honor the valor of those who served, a tranquil military cemetery was meticulously created within a serene pine forest along the scenic L-152 country road. This sacred site stands as a poignant tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives, both in the confines of the hospital and within the illustrious ranks of the 79. Infanterie-Division. Here, amidst the whispering pines and fragrant earth, their sacrifices are remembered and reverently celebrated.

All brave soldiers who lost their lives during World War II at the Military Hospital in Nunkirchen were initially interred in the serene grounds of the Military Cemetery located there. In the aftermath of the war, their remains were compassionately relocated to their designated final resting places, in a gesture of honor and remembrance. Among them was the flight crew of the Lancaster III, marked by the plate number AA-N, whose valor was recognized as they were solemnly transferred to the tranquil Military Cemetery in Rheinberg, ensuring that their sacrifice would be forever cherished and remembered with the utmost dignity.

1st Burial Cemetery at Nunkirchen War Cemetery

The seven airmen were found dead, some of them dismembered, some of them strongly charred. All seven crew members of the ill-fated airplane 75 Squadron Lancaster III LM593 deserve to be honored as they are first interred in Nunkirchen War Cemetery. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Image of unknown origin. A view towards a section of the War Cemetery in Nunkirchen during the winter of 1944/45 with several wooden cross grave markers located within the pinewood forest along the road L-152.

2nd Burial at Military Cemetery in Rheinberg

The Rheinberg War Cemetery was established by the Army Graves Service in April 1946 as a site for gathering Commonwealth graves from various German cemeteries in the nearby area. The graveyard contains mostly airmen, whose graves were moved from cities like Düsseldorf, Krefeld, Mönchengladbach, Essen, Aachen, Dortmund, and Nunkirchen in Saarland. Significantly, 450 graves were brought in from Cologne (Köln). The other servicemen buried here mainly died during the Battle of the Rhineland or in the advance from the Rhine to the Elbe.

The reburial of the soldiers buried at the World War II Military Cemetery in Nunkirchen was completed in 1956 by the German War Graves Commission, resolving the status of the cemetery. There are currently 3,330 Commonwealth servicemen from the Second World War buried or commemorated at Rheinberg War Cemetery. Of these burials, 158 are unidentified. Additionally, there are nine war graves belonging to other nationalities, most of whom are Polish.

The reburial of the Flight crew of the Lancaster III, LM593, AA:N was relocated to the Military Cemetery in Rheinberg and completed in 1956 by the German War Graves Commission. Thus the Military Cemetery in Nunkirchen was dissolved.