Appeal for information about South Downs bomber plane crash

Beeding and Bramber Local History Society is appealing for more information about the crash of B-17 Fortess Bomber in Upper Beeding during the Second World War.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jul 2015, 16:00 BST
The crash site of the B-17 Fortress Bomber on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding. Picture supplied by David BurnettThe crash site of the B-17 Fortress Bomber on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding. Picture supplied by David Burnett
The crash site of the B-17 Fortress Bomber on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding. Picture supplied by David Burnett

Pat Nightinghale, honorary secretary of the society, said: “I have been contacted by the cousin of Sergeant K. Girtch, who was the tail-gunner on the bomber which crashed on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding, on February 6, 1945.

“The enquirer is coming to England shortly and would like to visit the crash site, if it can be identified.

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“I was wondering if any readers might know exactly where on Truleigh Hill the bomber crashed, or know anyone else who might be able to help.”

Crew of the B-17 Fortress Bomber which crashed on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding, on February 6, 1945. Sergeant K. Girtch is pictured in the centre of the middle row. Picture supplied by David BurnettCrew of the B-17 Fortress Bomber which crashed on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding, on February 6, 1945. Sergeant K. Girtch is pictured in the centre of the middle row. Picture supplied by David Burnett
Crew of the B-17 Fortress Bomber which crashed on Truleigh Hill, Upper Beeding, on February 6, 1945. Sergeant K. Girtch is pictured in the centre of the middle row. Picture supplied by David Burnett

The first photo, above, shows the crew of the bomber, with Sergeant K. Girtch, the tail-gunner, in the centre of the middle row.

The second photo, right, shows the crashed bomber with some of the downs in the background.

If you have any information you can share about the crash on Truleigh Hill, please email: [email protected]

• Photos supplied by David Burnett, from his website http://americans.sudburysuffolk.co.uk/

Related topics:Upper BeedingSouth Downs