Rumburgh Nymph" Memorial
5.5 miles away
Suffolk
Redenhall (two B-24 crashes) 42-51909 Memorial
Redenhall (two B-24 crashes), Norfolk
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Redenhall with Harleston Town Council.
Type
Memorial stones
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Redenhall (two B-24 crashes), Norfolk, Norfolk
what3words: ///venturing.happen.bits
What Happened
On 11 April 1945, two B-24 Liberators from the 446th Bombardment Group, based at Flixton, were lost in a mid-air collision over Redenhall, Norfolk. The aircraft — 42-50790, named "Little King," and 42-51909 — came down in what proved to be one of the most devastating non-combat losses in the Group's history. Among those aboard were crew members Cecil and Brogger, though their full details are not recorded here. The collision claimed 23 lives across both aircraft combined. The 446th had operated from Flixton since late 1943, flying missions across occupied Europe; these men were lost just weeks before the Group flew its final mission on 25 April 1945.
Community Connection
The museum also includes collections dedicated to the 56th Fighter Group and the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron, both based at Halesworth. Memorial at Flixton was unveiled by Bill Davenport, President of the 446th. Bomb Group Association in 1993 during a Group reunion.
Remembrance
Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.
Share remembrance informationAircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
B-24 42-50790 "Little King" and B-24 42-51909
Squadron
446th BGStation
Flixton (USAAF)
Date of Loss
1945-04-11
Crew
23 killed combined
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Redenhall with Harleston Town Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Harleston Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Redenhall with Harleston Town Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
American Air Museum in BritainRetrieved 2026-03-23
American Air Museum archive entry for B-24 42-50790 'Little King' of the 446th Bomb Group. Records the aircraft's service history and loss on 11 April 1945 in a mid-air collision near Flixton airfield.
What you'll find: Explore American Air Museum archive detailing B-24 42-50790 'Little King' crash history and loss.
Aircraft nickname 'Little King'Captained by 1st Lt Robert J. FreeNo. 3 position in Low Squadron formation
Royal British Legion (Harleston Branch)Retrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed PDF account by Harleston RBL branch documenting the mid-air collision. The two B-24s collided during a tight formation approach to Runway 05 at Flixton at 1,000 feet altitude, with catastrophic results.
What you'll find: Detailed PDF account of Redenhall Memorial documenting tragic mid-air collision involving two B-24s.
Collision during formation approach at 1,000 feetLead aircraft 42-51909 captained by 1st Lt John BarronLeft-hand turn to line up with Runway 05Memorial dedicated August 2011
American Air Museum in BritainRetrieved 2026-03-23
Archive entry for B-24 42-51909, the lead aircraft in the Low Squadron that collided with 'Little King'. Records loss details and crew information for this 446th Bomb Group aircraft.
What you'll find: Explore archive entry detailing B-24 42-51909's collision incident, crew records, and crash aftermath at American Air Museum in Britain.
Lead (No. 1) aircraft in Low Squadron446th Bomb Group based at Flixton
446th Bomb Group Aviation MuseumRetrieved 2026-03-23
446th Bomb Group museum page providing unit history context. The group flew B-24 Liberators from Flixton (Station 125) and suffered significant losses including the Redenhall mid-air collision.
What you'll find: Explore detailed history of 446th Bomb Group's B-24 crashes at Redenhall.
446th BG based at Flixton, Station 125New memorial plaque presented by James Duckworth III of 446th BG
Nearby Memorials
Sources
American Air Museum in Britain (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Royal British Legion (Harleston Branch) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
American Air Museum in Britain (retrieved 2026-03-23)
446th Bomb Group Aviation Museum (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or addition