The C-47 `Skytrain` was the military version of the
Civil Douglas DC-3 Dakota, These aircraft were used
in a wide variety of roles from Transport of troops
and cargo, to air sea rescue. On 24th July 1945, just
weeks after the war in Europe had ended, a C-47 of
the 314th Troop Carrier Group, 32nd Troop Carrier
Squadron, took off from Leicester for a routine supplies
trip to Renfrew in Scotland, cargo that day consisted
of various machine parts, and a `Willys` jeep. Just prior
to leaving the airfield with the five man crew,and a
USAAF Corporal as a passenger,they took on another
passenger heading back home on leave to Scotland,
this was a RAF Leading Aircraftsman John D.Main.
The pilot had been briefed to fly up the east coast,as
there was a cold front blowing in, and low cloud hung
over the hills and mountains inland. However, it would
appear that the crew took a more direct route,probably
hoping to save time, and this would be their downfall,
for whilst flying at a height of only around 1,800ft the
C-47 struck the lower slopes of Shelf Moor,at the head
of Ashton Clough,and just adjutant to James`s Thorn
where a Lancaster had exploded in 18th May that year.
All the American crew of five and their two ill fated
passengers perished in the crash,some 4 miles east of
Glossop, Derbyshire, and the wreckage was not found
for 2 days owing to low cloud. Crew of C-47 42-108982.
Pilot: 1/Lt George L.Johnson.
Co-Pilot: 1/Lt Earl W.Burns.
Navigator: 1/Lt Beverly W.Izlar.
Crew Chief: Sgt Theodore R.McCrocklin.
Radio Op: Sgt Francis M.Maloney.
Passengers: Corporal Grover R.Alexander.
LAC John D.Main. RAF.
Photo: Courtesy of UK Flying Display & Museum. (Click photo for link)
C-47 42-108982 - Peak Dis
