“Euroclydon The Storm”

B-24D serial 42-40612 (designated A/C No. 612-K in unit records) departed Benghazi on August 1, 1943 as part of the low-level mission against the Ploesti oil fields in Romania. Flying near the front of the formation as it turned toward the target, Euroclydon was the first Circus aircraft brought down that day.

The aircraft was lost over the target as a result of enemy anti-aircraft fire. Two gunners, Jack Reed and James Vest, managed to bail out; an intelligence officer flying as an observer on his 21st mission was also aboard. Weather conditions at the time of loss were not available. The aircraft carried a crew of eleven, most of whom died in the crash; three men survived to become prisoners of war.

Engine serials recorded: (a) 42-62861, (b) 42-62807, (c) 42-62784, (d) 42-62037. The MACR was prepared on 14 July 1944 by 1st Lt. George D. Weisel, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.

Two crew members, Dickson and Boswell, were interred in the village cemetery of Plop, Commune of Harsa, District of Prahova, Romania. A sketch of the cemetery was attached to the MACR file.

Her name, Euroclydon, refers to a cyclonic, tempestuous northeast wind that blows in the Mediterranean.