Crash information 43-6761 Waddensea near Wieringen

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.

Vliegtuigcrash P-51B Mustang 43-6761 C3-R “Queenie”, 363^th Fighter Group, 382^th Fighter Squadron

Wadden Sea

Information about the crash

On April 9, 1944, 36 American P-51 Mustang fighters of the 363rd Fighter Group took off from Staplehurst Air Base in England. Their job was to escort and protect American bombers returning from an attack on Tutow in Germany from German fighters.

At 2:25 p.m., just off the Danish coast, pilot Pollard experienced engine problems. He turned around and flew back via the Wadden Sea, but lost more and more altitude. His wingman, 2nd Lt. Deeds, followed him until they disappeared into a cloud bank, about 1000 meters above Texel. At 2:50 PM Deeds lost sight of him and was unable to make radio contact. Shortly afterwards, Deeds saw flames and smoke, indicating a crash into the water. Pollard died as a result. His body washed ashore on April 19, 1944 at the Waddenzeedijk near Hippolytushoef and was buried at the Zandburen cemetery. In 1949 he was reburied in Lassen Cemetery, Susanville, California USA.

The crew

Benjamin Ashby Pollard

First lieutenant

Pilot

23 years old

United States

29th remembrance post unveiled on October 5, 2024

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the 29th remembrance post was unveiled, in memory of 23-year-old American pilot Benjamin Pollard. Pollard died more than 80 years ago when his P51-B Mustang crashed into the Wadden Sea due to engine failure. The ceremony was organized by the Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon Foundation (SHHK) and was the last unveiling of this year, concluding a series of impressive commemorative moments.

Reception and Welcome

The ceremony started at 2:00 PM with a reception at the NUBO Motor Museum in Hippolytushoef, where owner Gerard Numeijer acted as host. It was the second time that his museum served as a reception area on an unveiling day, and the collection of historic motorcycles and a huge collection of items related to aircraft from the Second World War provided an atmospheric and fitting environment.

After the reception, Mark Hakvoort, chairman of our foundation, opened the ceremony. In his opening speech, he spoke about what happened on April 9, 1944 above the Wadden Sea. He also reflected on the recently deceased veteran Dick Doornik with stories and anecdotes. Doornik had been a regular presence since the very first unveiling on September 14, 2019. Trumpeter Dirk Bak, who died earlier this year, was also remembered and their involvement over the past five years was remembered with gratitude.

The Ceremony

Around 2:45 PM, the group left for the location of the remembrance post, a spot with a view over the Wadden Sea where Pollard crashed more than 80 years ago.

Although the presence of veterans is always a permanent part of SHHK ceremonies, it was special that no fewer than 12 veterans were present this time, which made the ceremony extra impressive. Trumpeter Hans Elling played "The Last Post" during the ceremony, and a minute's silence was observed. Hans also blew the American national anthem.

Mayor Rian van Dam gave an impressive speech for the unveiling. She expressed her respect for the young American pilot Benjamin Pollard, who lost his life in a foreign country, fighting for the freedom of others. She also praised the SHHK board for their work. Thanks to this commitment, with the 29th memorial pole already, the stories of all those young men who risked their lives, and sometimes lost them, for our freedom are kept alive.

After the speech, Mayor Rian van Dam and Juris L. Jansons, Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, jointly unveiled the remembrance post, after which they also laid a wreath together.

With this 29th unveiling, SHHK concluded this year of commemoration. The foundation is looking forward to the coming year, in which new unveilings will take place.

Report of this day by Regio Noordkop

Photos of the unveiling