Freckleton Air Disaster
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On 23 August 1944, an American United States Army Air Force B-24 Liberator crashed into the centre of the village of Freckleton, Lancashire, England. The aircraft crashed into the Holy Trinity Church of England School, demolished three houses and the Sad Sack Snack Bar. The death toll was 61 including 38 children.
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[edit] Accident Synopsis
The aircraft, serial number 42-50291, was operating from the USAAF Base Air Depot 2 at Warton Aerodrome on test flight. It was being prepared for use prior to delivery to the 2nd Combat Division. Two B-24s departed Warton at 10:30, but due to an impending violent storm the two aircraft were recalled to Warton. By the time the B-24s had returned to Warton the wind and rain had reduced visibility. The B-24 captained by lst Lieutenant John Blomendal hit the village of Freckleton, the main part of the aircraft demolished three houses, and the Sad Sack Snack Bar before bursting into flames. A part of the aircraft hit the Freckleton Holy Trinity School.
In the school 38 children and six adults were killed. The Sad Sack Snack Bar was opened to cater for American servicemen from Warton. Seven Americans, Four Royal Air Force airmen and three civilians were killed in the snack bar. The three crew on the B-24 were also killed. A total of 61 adults and children died in the disaster.
[edit] Investigation
The official report stated that the exact cause was unknown, but it thought that an error of judgement in the middle of the storm by the pilot was probably the cause.
[edit] Memorials
A memorial garden and children's playground were opened in August 1945 in memory of those lost. The money for the playground equipment was raised by American airmen at Warton. A fund for a Memorial Hall was started and opened in September 1977.
