Crash Site Flying Fortress B-17G/43-37985:25-L. Meensel

Memorial plaque on the front of the house situated Wersbeekstraat 72 at Meensel, to remember the crash of the bomber Flying Fortress B-17G/43-37985:25-L.

Text on the plaque:
"On November 16th 1944 131 tons of bombs were dropped in support of ground troops at Düren (Germany). Two of the motors of one of the 39 alied bombers were shot out because of flak. On its way to Sudbury (England) the crew of the American plane bailed out and the aircraft crashed on the farm "Natens" in the Wersbeekstraat. In the resulting sea of flames Melania Wittemans died. Her pregnant daughter Maria Celina Natens died two days later in the hospital of Tienen because of her burns. The family Lambrechts-Janssens lost their house and carpentry. Second Lieutenant Henry B. Rapp flew 31 missions with his crew of 9 between September 25th 1944 and February 15th 1945".

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Source

• Text: Luc Van Waeyenberge
• Photos: Luc Van Waeyenberge