Crash Site Memorials in Progress

A memorial at the crash site for the Bolin Crew plane was dedicated in September of 2019. This was the first of its kind — a crash site memorial for a single crew. We are pleased to report that there is now activity in place to do the same for where the Miner Crew plane went down, with a target to complete and dedicate on September 27, 2025. This has become a reality near the town of Grebenau due to the efforts of a local inhabitant, Andreas Reid. Andreas has worked tirelessly in an effort to make this happen.

There are also plans in the making for three other crash sites near Gerstungen, led by the local mayor, Daniel Steffan, along with our trip host in Germany, Rene Schmidt, who both continue to navigate this effort. As well, Dr. Wilhelm von Trott has also implied that a memorial at the Hansen Crew crash site would be appropriate. He shared his thoughts on this during his speaking to us at the site last September. His family has owned a vast estate for hundreds of years, where the Hansen plane crashed. Tragically, Dr. von Trott’s father was implicated and executed for his alleged involvement in the attempt on Hitler’s life in 1944. A generous and thoughtful man, who also gave permission for the archaeological dig that resulted in the recovery of a number of our MIAs back in 2015/16.

As well, in Tibenham, we have the gracious support of the Norfolk Gliding Club led by the passion and tireless commitment from Eric Ratcliffe maintaining the old base as a memorial to the 445th. We are forever grateful for all these KM enthusiasts across the pond! The Kassel Mission Historical Society, with your membership and support, will continue to nurture these various endeavors to help create individual memorial sites wherever and whenever possible.

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