Thorpe Morieux (2) 42-38085 Memorial
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Suffolk
Thorpe Morieux (1) 42-3108 Memorial
Thorpe Morieux (1), Suffolk
Partial Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Thorpe Morieux Parish Meeting.
Type
Crash site plaques
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Thorpe Morieux (1), Suffolk, Suffolk
what3words: ///abruptly.animates.plotted
What Happened
On 12 April 1944, a B-17 (42-3108) from the 447th Bomb Group lifted off from Rattlesden on a wartime mission over occupied Europe. The aircraft crashed at Thorpe Morieux in Suffolk, coming down within miles of its home station. All ten men aboard were killed, among them the pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Philip D. King, and crew members including Eldon Henningsen, Clifford, Leach, Wilders, Eliot, Mishler, Norman, Ciriaco, and Carl. The cause of the crash is not recorded in available sources. The 447th Bomb Group, flying B-17s identified by a square K tail marking, suffered the loss of the entire crew that day.
Community Connection
Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.
Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
Bombing mission over Kassel, Germany(October 2, 1944)
The 447th Bomb Group, part of the 3rd Air Division flying B17s with a tail marking of the letter K in a square, was dispatched for a mission targeting an industrial armoured truck factory in Kassel, Germany. The mission also included other industrial targets at Wiesbaden and Gesecke.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Crew (2 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Thorpe Morieux Parish Meeting
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Stowmarket & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Thorpe Morieux Parish Meetingparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
GeographRetrieved 2026-03-23
Photograph and location record of the B-17 crash site memorial at Thorpe Morieux, Suffolk, with two plaques commemorating 447th Bomb Group crews who died at this location.
What you'll find: Poignant memorials honoring fallen crew members from the 447th Bomb Group at Thorpe Morieux, Suffolk.
Memorial consists of crash site plaques. The 447th BG was based at USAAF Station Rattlesden, Suffolk.
American Air Museum (IWM)Retrieved 2026-03-23
IWM American Air Museum archive page for the 447th Bomb Group, which operated B-17 Flying Fortresses from Rattlesden, Suffolk, from late 1943 to 1945. Records the group's operational history and losses.
What you'll find: Explore American Air Museum archive for 447th Bomb Group's operational history and losses.
The 447th BG flew over 250 missions from Rattlesden. The group suffered significant losses including multiple crashes in the surrounding Suffolk countryside.
US Mil AwardsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed account of 447th Bomb Group losses near Thorpe Morieux and Kettlebaston, Suffolk. Documents the B-17 crash on 12 April 1944 involving the 711th Bomb Squadron.
What you'll find: Explore detailed account of 447th Bomb Group's tragic losses at Thorpe Morieux and Kettlebaston, including a specific B-17 crash incident on 12 April 1944.
B-17 serial 42-31088 'Heaven Can Wait' from 711th BS crashed on 12 April 1944. Ten crew killed in the crash near Thorpe Morieux.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Geograph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
American Air Museum (IWM) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
US Mil Awards (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Suffolk (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 additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for Thorpe Morieux (1) 42-3108 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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