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.

P-51B

Information about the crash

The 363rd Fighter Group had to escort returning B-24s (which had bombed Tutow) back from Wanderup across the North Sea with 36 Mustangs. At 2.25 pm on the way there and 5 minutes before passing the Danish coast, Pollard suffered an engine failure, turned around and flew back via the Wadden Sea, losing more and more altitude. His wingman 2/Lt Deeds followed him to a cloud bank at an altitude of 3,000 feet east of Texel and north of the Afsluitdijk. At about 2.50pm 2/Lt Deeds lost sight of him in the clouds and was unable to make radio contact. When 2/Lt Deeds emerged from the clouds at 1,500 feet he saw flames and smoke that appeared to be a crash on the water.

The crew

Benjamin Ashby Pollard

First lieutenant

Pilot

23 years old

United States