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