B-24 42-50347, Landican,Birkenhead

On the 18/10/44 B-24 42-50347 was on a flight from Greencastle to Tibenham carrying the crews of 3 B-24' that had been ferried to Greencastle .
The bomber disintegrated above fields over Landican,Birkenhead ,due to a unknown reason but she was a war weary bird and there is the possibility a fuel leak led to an explosion ? The bomber remains fell with the loss of the entire compliment of 24 on fields near the village of landican !
There is on the Dursley Ind est over the other side of the M53 this memorial stone to the lost payed for by local Doug Dorrach, sadly it is well hidden on the estate on a road called Brookway , the plaque also contains the name of J. F. Simpson he was not lost on this plane but in a p-47 not too far away!.
Crew:
Captain William Driscoll-Pilot
1st.Lt.H.W.Olsen-Co-Pilot
1st.Lt.J.P.Hennessey-Navigator
T/Sgt.J.E.Patterson-Engineer
T/Sgt.R.L.Marshall-Radio Operator
Passengers:
Sgt.Joseph L.Arrigotti-R.O.
2nd.Lt.Richard.M.Blake-P
2nd.Lt.Edward.F.Brick-N
T/Sgt.Robert.E.Boyd-E
Sgt.Albert Engasser-E
1st.Lt.Reginald.H.Gehman
1st.Lt.Vincent.P.Hamilton-N
2nd.Lt.George.J.Leary-N
2nd.Lt.Roland.F.Mosher-P
Sgt.Frederick.L.Mootz-RO
Sgt.George.S.Moss-E
2nd.Lt.Stephen.J.Nagy-P
1st.Lt.William.F.Price-N
T/Sgt.Floyd.K.Relyea-RO
Flt.Officer.Roy.W.Sechler-P
Sgt.Clarence.K.Smith-?
2nd.Lt.Clesen.H.Tenney-P
2nd.Lt.Loran.A.Umpleby-N
2nd.Lt.Ralph.G.Wills.

There may be remains still on site but this is private ground ! Landican is worth a visit just to look over the site of this sad loss of so many young crew and to find the memorial !