Crash information 42-103735 Middenmeer

During World War II more than 40 different bombers and jet fighters have crashed within de county borders of Hollands Kroon. The crashes were mostly on land, in the Ijssel lake and the Wadden sea.

Few crew members were arrested after using their parachute to reach the ground, others could flee with the help of the Resistance. However, the majority lost their lives and did not return home safely to their family and loved ones.

Information about the crash

On October 5, 1944, American P-51 Mustang fighters took off from Steeple Morden Air Base in Hertfordshire, England at 9:40 am. Their assignment, together with other fighters, was to escort American B-24 bombers during a mission to Lippstadt Airport in Germany.

During the outbound flight, one of the P-51 Mustangs suffered engine problems. The 20-year-old pilot, Juntilla, crashed as a result and was unable to make an emergency landing. At 11 a.m. the plane crashed in the Wieringermeerpolder on the Oudelanderweg in Middenmeer, on plot D54. Juntilla had jumped out of the plane with his parachute, survived the crash but was subsequently captured by the occupying forces.

The crew

James Oliver Juntilla

First lieutenant

Pilot

20 years old

United States

Photo of the plane will follow later