B-17 42-97862 Cave Hill, Belfast Accident

On 1st June 1944 Radio contact was made with B-17 42-97862 prior to its arrival at Nutts Corner. Flight Officer Lester B. Brooks T-61593 was instructed to hold on the radio range along with approximately fifteen other aircraft, and was given permission to make his let-down in turn. The last radio contact made with him was at 10:30am, when he reported himself over Belfast Lough.

That was the last time contact was made with the aircraft until some time later R.A.F. authorities in Belfast called to report the crash of an unidentified aircraft on a hill near Belfast. It was subsequently determined that it was an american B-17. American officers and men proceeded to the scene of the crash, but sadly there was nothing that could be done for the crew.

Above, The pictures show the steep terrain on which the aircraft crashed

Eyewitness Statement of Mr. Elliot. At 12:34 approximately I was inside building when a heavy plane passed over in the immediate vicinity between Whitehall Road and Mill Road, flying very low, judgeing by the sound I would say roughly 300ft, yet engines appeared quite normal. It came from Belfast Lough direction going towards Cave Hill.

Immediately after this B. O' Hare called me stating a plane had crashed on the hill. I went out to look in that direction and could hear sharp explotions similar to rifle fire, the only thing that could be seen was a white spot, which was the tail of this plane in question. It was impossible to gain any information by sight as the Cave Hill, Hazelwood, etc were completely enveloped in heavy mist which extended practically to Antrim Road.

I phoned ''G'' District Report Centre at Approx, 12.38 informing them that a plane had crashed between Serpantine and Whitehall Roads on upper side of Antrim Road, it was impossible to state exact location due to fog and mist. By the time i got outside again flames could be faintly seen rising from what we understood to be the plane. 12:39 approx. Mr Savage arrived and I informed him suggesting that we take action. He instructed me to phone C.D. Controller. I did so and Mr. Mc Kibbin said send a Rescue party at once.

There was a speedy turn out of Trainees under leaders Henderson and Brennan, whilst Messrs. Savage, Duncan, Karr and solf went by the staff car to Hazlewood, arrived there about 12.48. I ran on, and, going in the direction of the heavy smoke arrived at the scene at 12:50. N.F.S., R.U.C. and some civilians were already there.

I made enquiries re casualties if any had been located or seen, one man said he saw one hanging out of the cockpit in the middle of the flames but had now fallen back. We made a good reconnaissance but nothing could be done until flames had been damped down by N.F.S. all were dead.

(Mr. McKibbin now on scene). After flames had subsided we got to work on recovery of bodies the first 4 bodies were recovered, placed and lashed on stretchers by myself and R.V. Cook. A soldier (R.A.M.C.) and an N.F.S. man gave valuable assistance, Mr. Savage and Mr. Kerr directing the lowering. In the case of 5 other bodies Mr. Kerr GRI, Mr. Savage, Mr. Maxwell, G.O.I, assisted Cook and I, together with Naval Personnel and a band of willing helpers who gave valuable asistance in both lowering the remains of 6 to the bottom of the field, and bringing 4 to the top.

Atenth body was removed by others from the vicinity of the left wing. Any valuables were handed over to R.U.C. or R.A.F. The inicident was cleared about 14:30

Great respect should be shown when visiting sites like these as there are reports of partial human remains still present at this particular site, We dont give out locations of crash sites due to souvenir & treasure hunters whom it appears sell these items on E-bay nowdays, we believe any recovered items from a crash site should be firstly documented in its place and then if possible placed in a museum for the public to see.

42-97862's Crew

Lester B. Brooks
Flight Officer, U.S. Army Air Forces T-061593 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ? Died: June 1, 1944 Buried at: ?

Jeremiah C. Murphy
Flight Officer, U.S. Army Air Forces T-062092 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: New York. Buried at: Plot G Row 7 Grave 8 Cambridge American Cemetery Cambridge, England

Joseph V. Nobilione
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces 0-710299 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: New York. Buried at: Plot G Row 5 Grave 8 Cambridge American Cemetery Cambridge, England

Leighton B. McKenzie
Flight Officer, U.S. Army Air Forces T-123650 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ?

Wilbur D. Brewer
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces 16075633 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ?

Howard A. Hibbler
Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces 37210378 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: Kansas. Buried at: Plot F Row 4 Grave 74 Cambridge American Cemetery Cambridge, England

Lawrence E. Dundon
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces 35692675 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: Kentucky. Buried at: Plot D Row 1 Grave 94 Cambridge American Cemetery Cambridge, England

Lawrence R. McCrane
Corporal, U.S. Army Air Forces 20215468 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ?

Robert L. Jr. Graves
Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces 38334100 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ?

Edward E. McGill
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces 10600464 Army Air Corps
Entered the Service from: ?