Mission 639

B-24J serial 42-50829, nicknamed 'Sweet Chariot,' was on a supply mission to Eindhoven on 18 September 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden. The aircraft departed Hardwick and flew at a maximum altitude of 1,800 feet. Four minutes before reaching the IP, No. 2 engine was knocked out by small arms fire and feathered. After dropping supplies, No. 3 engine began smoking and another engine was feathered due to further small arms damage. No. 1 engine subsequently lost power. The nose turret, elevator trim tabs, and the airframe generally were shot up. Unable to maintain altitude, the crew jettisoned loose equipment and ditched in the North Sea at approximately 5157N 0233E. The impact was extremely violent. Two Royal Navy surface craft that had received Major Segars' radio distress calls arrived almost immediately and recovered three survivors: 2nd Lt. Karian, T/Sgt Lamoureux, and S/Sgt Sciegaj.

B-24J serial 42-100416, nicknamed 'Baggie Maggie,' departed Hardwick on 18 September 1944 on a supply mission to Eindhoven, Netherlands. The aircraft was last known at position 51-50 N, 05-80 E at 1550 hours. Loss was attributed to enemy machine gun fire. The aircraft was last sighted by Capt. Charles F. Evang (O-725139). Ten persons were aboard: a crew of nine and one passenger (Pass, role=null, skipped).