Find Spot record 6640/0/1 - WWII aircraft crash site, Woodend

In October 1944, three B-17 Flying Fortresses collided over South Northamptonshire. Although one of the aircraft managed to return to the airfield, the other two crashed near Woodend resulting in the death of eleven servicemen. Excavation of the crash site in 2010 resulted in the recovery of parts of the aircraft as well as a silver bracelet belonging to one of the pilots. A memorial has been erected on the road at the north-eastern edge of the field.

{1} An American Boeing B17 crashed on 11/10/1944. Excavation in 2010 recovered wreckage of the plane along with pilot's gear and weaponry. Source contains complete list of items recovered.

{2} In cloudy conditions on 11 October 1944, three B-17 Flying Fortresses collided over South Northamptonshire. Although one of the aircarft managed to return to the airfield, the other two crashed near Woodend resulting in the deaths of 11 servicemen. In 2010, the site was excavated under licence by volunteers from the Sywell Aviation Museum resulting in the recovery of wreckage from the aircraft. This included a silver bracelet bearing the name of Nicholas Jorgenson, who was the pilot of one of the aircraft. One of his relatives was subsequently present at the opening of a memorial at Woodend.

<1> Denton, G., 2011, Report of Items Removed Under Licence From Aircraft Crash Site, (checked) (Recording Form (Not SMR)). SNN107432.

<2> Imperial War Museum, 2020, The American Air Museum, https://www.americanairmuseum.com/archive/person/nicholas-jorgensen; Accessed 15/10/2024 (Website). SNN112114.

Record last edited

Nov 14 2024 4:20PM