Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past History Information Request WW2 P-51 Crash (Moreton/Greasby)

Doing a bit of research on my dad while serving with the US 355th FG stationed at Steeple Morden during WWII. Returning from a mission on January 16 1945, many of his squadron were unable to land due to extreme weather conditions and had to bailout when their fuel supply was exhasusted. The USAF accident report references the location as Moreton, Greasby, Wiral CH46, UK. My dad's personal notes reference his landing in a pasture of a small farm with the residents transporting him back to an American M.P. station by way of a charcoal powered vehicle. Apparently the plane crash resulted in a 5-6 meter depression in a nearby open area - but I have no more details than that.

Just curious if there are records, photos, or recollections that anyone might have.

Separately - what an interesting website! I am a U.S. resident and a lifelong resident of Georgia, having lived most of my years around metro-Atlanta. I have enjoyed reading many of the stories posted!

You could try ordering a copy of the report from AAIR

https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/rptAF55.asp?RecID=45928

https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/orderinfo.asp

Not related to your search Larry, but here is one from January 1944 of a USAF crash in Moreton.
http://www.wirralhistory.uk/thunderbolt.html

Thank you so much for sharing! What an interesting and well-documented event. It's wonderful that we have items of this nature to capture the experiences of these pilots and the communities that were supporting them!

Thank you for taking the time to share the information on how to request the accident report. Prior to his passing a few years ago I had requested and received a copy of the report. Unfortunately, it did not provide much more information than the summarization already provided - but I thank you nonetheless! I don't recall where I found it, but I was also able to find online a copy of the USAF documentation of his recount of the bailout made after he returned to base. Although he was suffering from dementia at the time I received and shared the information with him, he was able to engage in a very detailed conversation of the event.