B17 Buttercup plane crash

Plane crash in Latchford Lane

It has come to our notice that a USAF B-17 (Flying Fortress) took off from Thurleigh, Bedford on 13 November 1943, missed the village of Haseley but crashed in a field near Haseley Brook.  All 10 crew were killed and to date there is no memorial to this event.

We are currently making enquiries through the Bombardment Group Museum and a contact in America to try to trace any relatives of the crew.  We know that the pilot was called Floyd Otto Scudder Jr who was a veteran pilot at the age of 21 and the ages of the other crew members ranged from 20 to the oldest at 28.  Six of the crew it was their first flight and it is believed that the aircraft came down as B-17s sometimes had a problem with ice on the wings.

Once we have put together as much detail as we can and contacted any relatives, we hope to erect a memorial in the churchyard next year as it will be the 80th anniversary. 

Anyone who has information on this disaster please let us know.  We are trying to put together as much personal detail as possible.  Also if you wish to become involved in this project please let us know.