Memorial Unveiled for US Airmen Killed in 1944 Mid-Air Collision

A new memorial has been dedicated in Lincolnshire, honoring decorated American combat veterans who died in a mid-air collision eight decades ago. The incident, which occurred during a training flight over Carlton Scroop, near Grantham, on 18 December, 1944, resulted in the deaths of seven men, while three others survived. Additionally, the squadron’s mascot, a Dalmatian dog, succumbed to injuries from the collision. Approximately 100 individuals attended the unveiling event at Sudbrook Moor Golf Club in Carlton Scroop, among them were the families of the deceased and both British and American service personnel. The collision involved a US Air Force 61st Troop Carrier Group C-109 and a B-24 Liberator, named Lazy Lou. Staff Sgt Stanley Wells, a 22-year-old radio operator, was among those who perished in the crash. He had married a woman from Lincoln less than a month prior to the incident, and the couple was expecting a child. The C-109 crashed near the village school in Carlton Scroop, with debris landing in a field adjacent to what is now part of the golf club. The second aircraft attempted, but was unable, to reach RAF Cranwell. David Bristow, a local author, has documented the incident in a book titled “What Happened to You Lazy Lou?” Bristow stated, “This memorial will now be a permanent tribute to men who came to help us fight for freedom, survived the worst of the war in 1944 and yet never made it home.” The book’s title references one of the aircraft and was inspired by his father’s narrow escape, who was then a pupil at the local primary school. He further remarked, “The aircraft narrowly missed the school otherwise he might have been killed, and, of course, I would not be here.” Ernest Ward Jnr, son of Tech Sgt Ernest P. Ward, a survivor of the crash, journeyed from Texas to be present at the memorial. During the unveiling, he commented: “I am truly grateful to see such a commemoration of the American aircrew who died that day. “My father survived and lived a long life, but we must always remember those who did not.” In addition to photographs of both crews, the memorial includes a tribute to Major Jerry, the Dalmatian dog owned by Lt Col Lewis Frederick. Major Jerry had accompanied Col Frederick throughout campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and northern Europe. It was reported that he could identify other aircraft in the air before the crew, and rubbing his back was thought to bring good luck. Col Frederick died when Lazy Lou crash-landed and disintegrated near North Rauceby. Major Jerry was ejected from the aircraft but suffered severe burns after returning to search for his master, subsequently dying from his injuries. The South Kesteven District Council provided support for the event, incorporating it into its military heritage commemorations. Councillor Rhea Rayside, cabinet member for people and communities, stated: “The memorial will be a lasting tribute to the amazing men who fought as our allies.”