virtual exhibition
B17:
A Wartime Tragedy
Introduction
The Fatal Collision
In early 1942, the first USAAF flying units were being stationed in the UK. The Eighth Air Force took over or built more than 200 airfields across Britain, including many in this local area; Grafton Underwood, Chelveston and Polebrook in Northamptonshire, and Molesworth and Alconbury in Cambridgeshire.
Bombing raids typically involved multiple squadrons of aircraft from different airfields, and the morning of 22nd February 1944 was no different. Early morning combat mission 111 was designated to target a Junkers Aircraft factory in Ascherleben, Germany. The 303rd Bombardment Group from Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group from Grafton Underwood were assembled and took to the skies.
It was during the formation of aircraft that a tragic mid-air collision occurred between “Hells Angel II” from the 303rd and “June Bug” from the 384th. War reports from the time noted that both Pilots took great efforts to avoid colliding but to no avail. The crash site of the collision covered land between what was then the British Steel Offices in Irthlingborough and fields on what is now part of Stanwick Lakes.
In all, seventeen out of twenty airmen lost their lives in the collision. Miraculously, there were three survivors – Navigator William Eugene Bailey and Bombardier Kenneth Swanson from 384th BG and Gunner David Miller from the 303rd BG, who all parachuted to safety.
A Curated Collection
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the tragic collision in 2024, Stanwick Lakes organised a poignant private ceremony followed by a captivating 10-day exhibition for the public. The exhibition captured significant public attention, drawing visits from Anglia TV, the Northants Telegraph and more, sparking widespread interest.
Along with such overwhelming support, and with the help of volunteers and locals alike, additional contributions of artefacts were generously shared with us to enhance the exhibition. A number of visitors also brought their own items to show and loan for display, including an original silk US issued WWII 1943 colour escape map of Western Europe, which had been carefully kept and preserved.
To do all we can for the impact of this exhibition, and ensure the lasting legacy of the occasion, this webpage aims to present a virtual gallery of photographs and the information boards, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the exhibit from anywhere in the world.
The Legacy
A Permanent Memorial
Thanks to public support and donations from a successful fundraising campaign, a permanent memorial now sits overlooking Brightwater Lake, a location close to the collision site.
It is a lasting legacy to the memory of the lives lost and will help tell the story of the self sacrifice and bravery of all our Allied Forces in World War II.
Stanwick Lakes volunteers have been committed to researching the lives of the airmen, and with the permission of the surviving family members you will soon be able to read about them here.
Nadia Norman, Heritage Coordinator at Stanwick Lakes, said:
“The B-17 collision in 1944 is such a significant event in local history and it was important to us that we are able to remember and commemorate the airmen on the 80th anniversary of the crash and in the future.
A permanent memorial here at Stanwick Lakes will help tell that story and will be a lasting legacy that shows that communities had and still have a special relationship with US air bases in our local area.”
Community
B17 Anniversary Exhibition: February 2026
Sunday 22nd February 2026
Open 10am – 3pm
This exhibition, held on the anniversary of the tragic B-17 collision on 22 February 1944, commemorates the incident and honours the stories of the airmen involved.
The exhibition also explores the history of the 384th Bombardment Group at Grafton Underwood and highlights the dedication of their volunteers in fundraising and establishing a permanent museum on the airbase site.
Through personal stories, historical artefacts, and local heritage, the exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of the 384th and ensures this chapter of USAAF history is remembered.
This free to enter exhibition will be held in The Solstice Suite, organised by the 384th Bombardment Group Museum
Join us at 9am outside the Visitor Centre to be led on a short walk to the Stanwick Lakes memorial, for a short reading and remembrance led by volunteers.
Gallery under construction.
We’ll be adding more images of the exhibition and information board to this gallery very soon. In the meantime, please enjoy a selection of images from SSgt Jennifer Zima, 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs, RAF Alconbury, from February 2024.
US and UK leaders honor WWII Airmen at Stanwick Lakes memorial
U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt) Steven Davis, left, 501st Combat Support Wing chaplain, speaks with Cllr Tracey Smith, right, Mayor of Rushden, before a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or “The Big Week,” targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Zima)
US and UK leaders honor WWII Airmen at Stanwick Lakes memorial
U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt) Steven Davis, left, 501st Combat Support Wing chaplain, greets Royal Air Force Sqn. Ldr. Tina Sheeran, right, RAF commander of RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth, before a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or “The Big Week,” targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Zima)
US and UK leaders honor WWII Airmen at Stanwick Lakes memorial
U.S. Air Force Col. D. Landon Phillips, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, right, speaks with distinguished guests after a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or “The Big Week,” targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Zima)
US and UK leaders honor WWII Airmen at Stanwick Lakes memorial
U.S. Air Force Col. D. Landon Phillips, right, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, speaks with distinguished guests after a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or “The Big Week,” targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Zima)
Donations made the difference
Your support
is appreciated.
Thank you to all who generously contributed to the fundraising campaign for a permanent memorial at Stanwick Lakes.
A special thanks to John Abbott, Irthlingborough Historical Society, Irthlingborough Town Council, SCC Ltd, Colworth Pensioners and Raunds Historical Society.
Email Us if you have any memories to share:
info@rftrust.org.uk