An
American fighter plane which crashed during the Second World War has recently
been scheduled by Cadw, making it the first legally designated military
aircraft crash site protected for its historic and archaeological interest in
the UK.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft crashed
off the north Wales coast in September 1942 and is the best preserved military
aircraft crash site in Wales. Buried around 2m below the sands it has been
uncovered three times since it crashed - the first sighting being in the 1970s,
in 2007 and most recently in 2014.
The pilot at the time of the incident was Second Lt.
Robert F. Elliott, 24, of Rich Square, North Carolina, who flew from Llanbedr
on a gunnery practice mission and encountered difficulties - resulting in the
crash-landing. The pilot walked away safely from the incident, but was
reported missing in action a few months later.
Nephew of the pilot, Robert Elliott today lives in
Kingsport, Tennessee and is a retired US Navy and a member of the 49th
Fighter Squadron Association. He visited the site in 2016. He said:
I am honored and delighted that Cadw has given
official recognition of my uncle's P38F as a scheduled Ancient Monument. My
uncle was among those brave and expert fighter pilots who served with
distinction during WWII. My visit to the site with my wife Cathy in 2016 was
very moving and emotional.
The 49th Fighter Squadron, to which this aircraft was
assigned, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1941 and is still
active today as the 49th Fighter Training Squadron. I look forward to returning
to Wales and offer my support of this historic designation.
Local aviation historian, Matt Rimmer, said;
“I been an advocate for the preservation of historic
military aircraft crash sites in Wales for over twenty years I'm thrilled to
see the Harlech P-38 scheduled as an historic monument by Cadw, as I feel it
not only acknowledges the significance of this particular aircraft in a
historical context, but also the important role played by Wales in the air war
against Nazi Germany and the thousands of aircrew from many countries who
trained here, many of whom lost their lives either in accidents during training
or subsequently in combat.”
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord
Elis Thomas, said:
“This site is of international significance and I’m
delighted that this designation underlines its special qualities as well as
protecting it for the benefit of future generations. As we have seen following
Remembrance events over the weekend, sites such as this represent events which
must not be forgotten, Wales will always remember and respect all those who
contributed to securing the peace we are so fortunate to enjoy today.”