Thorpe Morieux (1) 42-3108 Memorial
0.0 miles away
Suffolk
Thorpe Morieux (2) 42-38085 Memorial
Thorpe Morieux (2), 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 (2), Suffolk, Suffolk
what3words: ///abruptly.animates.plotted
What Happened
On 27 March 1944, B-17 42-38085 departed Rattlesden on a bombing mission as part of the 447th Bomb Group's 711th Bomb Squadron. The aircraft came down at Thorpe Morieux in Suffolk, killing all ten men aboard. The pilot, 1st Lieutenant Wesley C. Hudson, was among those lost. No survivors were recorded. A memorial plaque at the crash site in Thorpe Morieux today marks where the crew fell, and veterans of the 447th Bomb Group have since returned to honour their memory.
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
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
Crew
10 killed; pilot 1Lt. Wesley C. Hudson
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 of the second crash site plaque at Thorpe Morieux, commemorating the crew of B-17G 42-38085 from the 711th Bomb Squadron, 447th Bomb Group.
What you'll find: Poignant memorial plaque for B-17G 42-38085 crew at Thorpe Morieux crash site.
Memorial plaque at the crash site marks where the B-17G came down on 27 March 1944 during a takeoff accident.
American Air Museum (IWM)Retrieved 2026-03-23
IWM American Air Museum archive page for the 711th Bomb Squadron, part of the 447th Bomb Group at Rattlesden. Documents the squadron's operational history and aircraft losses.
What you'll find: Explore the 711th Bomb Squadron's operational history and aircraft losses in this American Air Museum archive page from IWM.
The 711th BS operated from Rattlesden as part of the 447th BG. B-17G 42-38085 was among the squadron's losses. Crew included 1Lt W.C. Hudson (Pilot), 2Lt W.B. Corley (Co-pilot), 2Lt N. Bishusky (Navigator), 2Lt J.C. Henix Jr (Bombardier).
USAF Mildenhall NewsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Report on the 'Return to Rattlesden' event where families of 447th Bomb Group veterans visited Suffolk to pay tribute at crash sites and memorials including Thorpe Morieux.
What you'll find: Explore the 'Return to Rattlesden' event honoring 447th Bomb Group veterans at Thorpe Morieux memorial.
447th BG families continue to visit the crash sites. The Thorpe Morieux memorials remain focal points for remembrance by American families of the fallen crews.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Geograph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
American Air Museum (IWM) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
USAF Mildenhall News (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 (2) 42-38085 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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