Monument Details

B-17(42-97862) Cave Hill Crash Crew Memorial

Details:

At the very end of the zoo, near the furthest toilets and picnic area, next to the Vicuna enclosure. Monument

A concrete pillar with unit insignia on the side and a dark stone plaque on the ground in front of it commemorate an American B-17 (42-97862) crew that lost their bearings in heavy fog and crashed into the adjacent Cave hill. The plane ws in transit to the theater from the US.

Monument Text:

Dedicated to the memory of ten American airmen who tragically lost their lives near this site on 1st June 1944.

F/O Lester B. Brooks Pilot Ohio

F/O Jeremiah C. Murphy Pilot New York

2LT Joseph V. Nobilione Navigator New York

F/O Leighton B. McKenzie Bomber California

SSGT Lawrence E. Dundon Radio Operator Kentucky

SSGT Wilbur D. Brewer Gunner Illinois

SGT Robert L. Graves, Jr. Gunner Arkansas

SSGT Edward E. McGill Gunner Tennessee

SGT Howard A. Hibbler Gunner Kansas

CPL Lawrence R. McCrane Gunner New York

While awaiting clearance to land their B-17G Bomber at Nutts Corner airfield after a transatlantic flight, the crew lost their bearings in heavy fog and came down on the side of Cavehill. Despite brave efforts by local people and emergency services, all ten men died at the site.

Commemorates:

People:

Wilbur D. Brewer

Lester Bryan Brooks

Lawrence E. Dundon

Robert L., Jr. Graves

Howard A. Hibbler

Edward Ewing “Buck” McGill