REMEMBERING THE BRAVE US NAVY PB4Y-1 B-24 LIBERATOR BOMBER CRASH SITE • SOURTON, DARTMOOR

Brave men made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II and many left their homes and headed for Britain to fight in the name of freedom. Many brave airmen, not knowing if they would return from a mission, yet alone making it back home. World War 2 resulted in many losses, but not all were due to combat, some were the result of harsh weather. Dartmoor is an area of outstanding beauty and landscapes, but is also famous for its severe blinding fog.
One of the most puzzling crash sites was that of a US Navy PB4Y-1 Liberator that crashed on Dartmoor just after Christmas, on the 28th December 1943, killing all ten crew.
Fifteen US Navy Liberator bombers based at RAF Dunkeswell, home of Fleet Air Wing 7, were on a seek and destroy mission over the Atlantic, at the Bay of Biscay. Their targets were a fleet of 11 enemy destroyers and PB4Y-1 63926/B-5 E of VB-110 Bombing Squadron was part of a flight of fifteen and departed Dunkeswell on the 28th December 1943. Whilst patrolling the vicinity of the Bay of Biscay, the Liberator encountered and engaged with two enemy fighters, but the enemy fighters retreated leaving PB4Y-1 63926/B-5 E to finish its mission. It is believed that the Liberator still had a full payload when it started to make its return to base at Dunkeswell.
The aircraft crossed the coastline of the South West of England and headed east towards Dartmoor and started to descend but it was here that the aircraft encountered think harsh fog. They were only about 40 miles and it was between Black Tor and Corn Ridge where the aircraft crashed into the hillside killing all crew on board. The aircraft wreckage was strewn over a quarter of a mile and there were no reports of any serious radio messages from the crew.
Most of the wreckage of PB4Y-1 63926 was removed from the moor due to some complaints from various Dartmoor conservationists. In 1973 the Devon Aircraft Research and Recovery Team came back to the crash site to see if there were any other pieces of the wreckage that was missed. One of the Pratt and Whitney engines has actually been carefully restored.
When visiting any crash site, it is a war grave and we at the Ted Coningsby Squadron advise not to touch any of the wreckage. It is after all not only MOD property but someone’s final resting place…our lost heroes….
To visit the memorial stone, it is a very very steep climb south west up the hillside from the crash wreckage. Please take care up there as it is very steep.
DISCLAIMER: Please remember this is Dartmoor and a national park. Please abide by rules of the moors and if you are visiting this crash site, you do so at your own risk. We can only give you advice on good hiking footwear, such as boots, waterproof clothing, walking poles and make sure you take with you a map, a compass, your fully charged mobile phone with a power bank, a GPS watch such as a Garmin with coordinates. The coordinates to the crash site are : SX 56785 88530 Please allow plenty of time with enough light to help you get there. There are many marshy, boggy challenges and you will need to make your own judgements when you encounter steep contours and boggy situations, especially after heavy rain.
#usn #usnavy #dartmoor #dartmoorwalks #planecrash #ww2 #wwii #b24 #pb4y #rafdunkeswell #honiton #dunkeswell #airdisasters #planecrashes #planecrashsites #tedconingsby #memorial #lestweforget #80years #usaaf #usairforce #trending #history #historicalaircraft #b24bomber #b24liberator #airwingmarine #airwingfleet7 #7
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[@TedConingsby]

Ladies, gents and teddy bears… we hope you enjoyed this video. It must be so heart breaking for families and friends of these brave men. To count the aircraft out and have a less number on the return…
Please remember to take care if you are visiting this site. If you need an extra helpful clue, the crash site is almost level with the end of Black-a-tor Copse.
Are you planning to visit the site? What did you think of our video? Let us know in the comments…
The Ted Coningsby channel “stream the present and remember our past”

[@bobphillips2188]

I have camped almost opposite this crash site many times, yet I didn't know about it until now. Having tracked all the crash sites on The Black Mountain, Carmarthen, and elsewhere, I am surprised I didn't know about this one. They are very affecting I find. The RCAF Wellington site on the southern dip slopes of Black Mountain, yet quite near the top pf a minor summit, has a modest plaque, left to commemorate the one and only visit by one of the crews' relatives. It must be almost incredible, to stand amidst the wreckage where a husband/father/sibling and so on died. They must imagine their relative's blood, and worse, scattered about the place, like the metal strewn all over. I guess one small comfort must be knowing that no one suffered for long, the impact obviously terrific. Thanks for this wee film; I no longer live anywhere near this place, but one day, when visiting the SW, I will seek it out. Cheers, and keep up all your much appreciated efforts (-:)~

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@colinbracher405]

Thank you for going to this crash site. A place I can never get too as leg disabled and need a Disabled Mobility Scooter. A very moving film. I was surprised as to how much of the wreckage is still on the moor. We remember them.

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Colin

[@moreheff]

Beautifully done Ted and Nikos. Lest We Forget 💜

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you
LEST WE FORGET

[@alixakablackcat3739]

Thank you Teddi for doing this tribute. For when my uncle flew the planes for the Air Force I just imagine how happy he was doing it but when a one of our planes go down we all get effected for they worked for our country. RIP for those who lost their lives who flew fought for their country including the USA. We'll never forget.
Ty again Teddi 😢🌹👍

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks very much. When you see a number of planes depart and not have the same number return must be a very deep feeling of loss. They fought for freedom, our freedom 🩵🇺🇸

[@EdwardCoates-zk2ug]

This story and well explained infromation Nikos of how to get to the B24 Liberator crash site on Dartmoor is a fitting tribute to those airmen lost, never forget.

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@craiglizt8074]

A somber journey that I am glad you shared with us. A big salute to these men, for their service, and their dedication. The blowing wind in the video is fitting…I’m glad you didn’t edit that out.

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you very much
LEST WE FORGET

[@vickywassell4312]

Really nicely made, poignant video Ted. Thank you for getting this fantastic footage for us to see. Lest We Forget.

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Vicky
Lest we forget

[@Thomas-fr8nx]

Thanks for that very informative video tour and tribute to those who sacrificed for us 80 years ago.

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you

[@Anduth69]

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit this site and honour that brave US Navy crew Nikos. I watched in Silence and very much appreciated the quiet during the filming of the wreckage.
You, Sir, are a truly class act showing here a more tender and considerate side to your character from the excitement and noise of a Quick Climb Friday.
Ted Conningsby members salute you and Ted 🫡

[@TedConingsby]

Oii Oii Andy thank you so much for your kind words

[@wendyfenton5656]

Thank you for a fitting tribute. Will make the trip to pay our respects when the weather improves. Lovely footage of our beloved Dartmoor too ❤

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks so much Wendy. Please take care out there

[@sallycullum6034]

❤beautiful work ted and lest we forget them ❤❤

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Sally LEST WE FORGET

[@debbiebrooks2716]

That was very moving thanks Nikos and Ted for showing how to get to where the crash site is what a shame that is all the is left but it is very peaceful. What a lovely day. Lots of love to you all, Nikos, Ted, Claire Bear and Kimberley hope you had a lovely holiday.

[@TedConingsby]

Oii Oii Debbie thank you very much. It was hard going but we found it with lots of planning and using the right navigation tools.

[@Bex22]

Outstanding job Nikos 👏🏻 What a terrific commemoration to honour the fallen. I love the map reading instructions with coordinates at the start too. Ted’s little legs must’ve taken a while to climb all that way across Dartmoor and up the steep climb to the memorial stone. Thank you!

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you so much Bex. Nikos is very good with maps and compass reading. We got there safely and it was a little bit challenging at times. The terrain can be very harsh at times and some judgment with care needs to be taken at all times. Yes, their one step is 20 for me.

[@annebynon]

Thanks for posting this Nikos and Ted. Very poignant and atmospheric. I'm amazed there is still parts of the aircraft still there, slowly becoming one with the earth. I'm glad Ted was able to make it up to the memorial stone. The map reading instructions were a good idea also. Dartmoor is an easy place to get lost in if you are not familiar with it.

[@TedConingsby]

Oii Oii Anne, Nikos is very good with Dartmoor and is very familiar with it and it’s harsh weather system. It is an easy place to get lost. Thank you very much for your kind words

[@scotm2250]

Excellent. I think I could follow Ted anywhere.

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you very much

[@OneFlyingLap]

Incredible, well done and thank you for bring this to your audience, having been to this crash site and others it’s always a strange sense and feeling but important not to forget the sacrifices made that so many take for granted. All the best 👍💪

[@TedConingsby]

We shall remember them

[@OneFlyingLap]

@@TedConingsby amen to that, I do a lot for help for heroes, the wings appeal and the poppy appeal so what you’ve done here means a lot. All the best 👍💪

[@selwynowen1877]

Nice work and thank you Nikos. We have our own memorial in Freckleton (adjoined to Warton) where a B-24 Liberator crashed onto a school in Freckleton in August 1944 during a test flight out of Warton. All three crew and 58 people on the ground, including 38 children, were killed. It is still remembered every year.

[@TedConingsby]

Oii oiii Selwyn Owen thank you for your kind words. We will look into the details about the B-24 Freckleton crash. Very sad

[@kylobear7991]

Wow! Thanks for the tribute to the armed forces who sacrificed a lot! Never forgotten!

[@TedConingsby]

We shall remember them

[@paulburrows4590]

Thanks again for remembering the fallen Ted x,immaculate and respectful as always x

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you so much Paul

[@colinpattison220]

Well done Ted & Nikos.
Both beautifully and respectfully done, wonderful video. After a long day at work, to come home and see this, very poignant and puts things into perspective. Those brave 10 souls who gave their lives.
Lest we forget

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Colin
Lest we forget

[@margobaxter8344]

Thank you Ted, for bringing TCS & the world, these wonderful & insightful videos ❤.

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you so much Margo for the super thanks. We stream the present and remember our past

[@margobaxter8344]

Very sad, the elements caused such a tragedy. Thank you for an informative video Ted.

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Margo

[@margobaxter8344]

​@@TedConingsbyit's a brilliant video. Love the "lost" series, thank you. Would love to visit more in Scotland too. ❤

[@PerezMapManBush]

Fantastic video 👏🏼

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks again Perry

[@GingerBailey-is1jx]

Another great video thanks Nikos……with the help of Ted’s map reading skills..😂

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you so much Julian

[@captaina8697]

Great video Nikos, very informative on both the orienteering and the history 🫡

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you Rich 🤙🏼

[@BabsR]

Very moving, thank you so much

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Babs

[@ellesee7079]

Beautiful tribute. Lest we forget.

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@jmalloy2202]

Well done for explaining the basic how to use a compass, will be surprised how many people don’t know how to use a compass.😊👍

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you

[@Bex22]

Top work in every way Nikos and Ted. One of the best videos you’ve ever made 🫡

[@TedConingsby]

Oii Oii Bex thank you so much for the super thanks and your comment. That’s great to hear

[@BRUNO1974]

Nice one it’s good to remember ❤️🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET ❤️

[@paulashettlesworth7601]

Thank you so much for this video

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Paula

[@T_K_Photographer]

Thx Nikos and Ted 🫡🫡🙏

[@TedConingsby]

[@kylobear7991]

Very precise directions

[@GingerBailey-is1jx]

Thanks

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you so much Julian for the super thanks.

[@simonrichardson5077]

Nice work,thanks

[@TedConingsby]

[@angbaker8549]

Beautifully and sensitively done, thank you Nikos and Ted

[@TedConingsby]

Oii Oii Anne thank you so much

[@guyewen2604]

To imagine that day all those years ago 🙏

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@alangates5634]

respect

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@ColinBooth-z6i]

Nice scenery ❤ so sad

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@davidprosser8288]

Thanks for the history Nikos Ted and Claire there was a Lancaster went down near where I live and has a RAF memorial in place in Old Edlington near Doncaster I'd love to know more about it but google don't give much history to it

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks David. If you know the serial number we can do some research on this.

[@TorontoChannel]

I've visited a Douglas A-26 Invader crash site in Sorn which is fairly local to where I live in Ayrshire. A full rubber tyre still exists there as if it were made yesterday.😑

[@RubyCampbell-tw5jx]

First!!! ❤ This is so cool, but so sad 😢.

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@edutaimentcartoys]

nice video

[@TedConingsby]

Thank you very much

[@eddbutcher]

Rest in peace poor souls.

[@TedConingsby]

LEST WE FORGET

[@ssimonoxenham5066]

I used to live in Plymouth and went all over Dartmoor as a kid and did my bronze silver and gold D of E and now live near Dunkerswell , did you visit Yelverton and its old airbase now grassland other than the bomb shelters.

[@TedConingsby]

Nikos’ fave holiday destination is Dartmoor and of course, you’ll see that tomorrow video is our Lost Airfield episode 3 which is RAF Harrowbeer, in Yelverton

[@paulfuller7409]

Very interesting

[@TedConingsby]

[@JasonElser]

Hard thing to think about. Not making it home...

[@TedConingsby]

[@IanWright72]

Lest we forget thanks for sharing @ Nikos and Ted Coningsby

[@TedConingsby]

Thanks Ian

[@paulmhennings6158]

[@TedConingsby]

[@theresahodoba77]

❤❤

[@TedConingsby]

[@bueshirt]

There is the recage of a B-29 in the Peak District.

[@TedConingsby]

An old but gold TCS archive of the B-29 ruclips.net/video/iSKLE95s4xs/видео.htmlsi=4xuMppeXM4YWTAP2

[@dartmoordave]

Pretty typical of the conservationists. I dont see them out with picks and shovels digging up all the massive shells that battleships fired onto Dartmoor from Plymouth Sound. That must have been some sight for the villages en route.

[@karenhoward6435]

[@TedConingsby]

[@davidbinch2859]

[@TedConingsby]