Wreck Of Fighter Plane Discovered Off Welsh Coast

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft crashed off the north Wales coast in September 1942 and is the best preserved military aircraft crash site in Wales.

Buried around 2m below the sands it has been uncovered three times since it crashed - the first sighting being in the 1970s, in 2007 and most recently in 2014.

The exact location of the plane, however, remains confidential, to protect it.

It is described as one of the most significant WWII-related archaeological discoveries in recent history and has become affectionately known as the Maid of Harlech.

The pilot at the time of the incident was Second Lt. Robert F. Elliott, 24, of Rich Square, North Carolina, who flew from Llanbedr on a gunnery practice mission and encountered difficulties - resulting in the crash-landing. 

The pilot walked away safely from the incident, but was reported missing in action a few months later.

Nephew of the pilot, Robert Elliott today lives in Kingsport, Tennessee and is a retired US Navy and a member of the 49th Fighter Squadron Association.

He visited the site in 2016 and said: “ I am honoured and delighted that Cadw has given official recognition of my uncle's P38F as a scheduled Ancient Monument.

”My uncle was among those brave and expert fighter pilots who served with distinction during WWII. My visit to the site with my wife Cathy in 2016 was very moving and emotional.”

Local aviation historian, Matt Rimmer, added: “I been an advocate for the preservation of historic military aircraft crash sites in Wales for over twenty years I'm thrilled to see the Harlech P-38 scheduled as an historic monument by Cadw.

”I feel it not only acknowledges the significance of this particular aircraft in a historical context, but also the important role played by Wales in the air war against Nazi Germany and the thousands of aircrew from many countries who trained here.

”Many of whom lost their lives either in accidents during training or subsequently in combat.”

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a twin-engine fighter aircraft used extensively by the Allies during World War II.

The P-38 was renowned for its exceptional speed, range, and altitude capabilities, making it one of the most versatile fighter aircraft of its time.

Its top speed exceeded 400 mph, and it could operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet.

The aircraft's range was also impressive, allowing it to escort bombers deep into enemy territory.

The P-38 was armed with a formidable array of weaponry, including multiple .50 caliber machine guns and cannon installations.

Its firepower made it effective against both enemy aircraft and ground targets.

Some variants of the P-38 were also equipped with underwing pylons for carrying bombs or rockets, further enhancing its versatility in ground attack missions.

The P-38 Lightning served in various theatres of operation during World War II, including the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theatres.

It was used for a wide range of missions, including fighter escort, interception, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

One of its most notable achievements was the shooting down of Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's aircraft in April 1943, a significant morale boost for the Allies.

Overall, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a highly successful and influential aircraft that played a significant role in shaping the outcome of World War II.

The plan that crashed in Wales was American - the United States provided significant assistance to Britain during World War II.

Before entering the war, the United States implemented the Lend-Lease program in March 1941.

That program allowed for the provision of military aid, including weapons, ammunition, and equipment, to Allied countries, primarily Britain and the Soviet Union.

This aid was crucial for Britain's ability to continue the fight against Nazi Germany, especially during the Battle of Britain and the early years of the war when Britain stood alone against German aggression.

The United States provided significant naval support to Britain, including the transfer of destroyers and other naval vessels through the Destroyers for Bases Agreement and other arrangements.

American naval forces also collaborated with the British Royal Navy in convoy escort duties and anti-submarine warfare efforts.

World War II was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, resulting in an estimated total of 70 to 85 million fatalities, including both military personnel and civilians.

The exact number of casualties is difficult to determine precisely due to various factors such as incomplete records, differing methodologies, and varying definitions of what constitutes a war-related death.

The war officially ended on September 2, 1945, with the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

This followed Japan's unconditional surrender, which came after the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August 1945, leading to Japan's acknowledgment of defeat and the cessation of hostilities.

Overall, World War II lasted from September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, to September 2, 1945, with the surrender of Japan, spanning over six years of intense global conflict.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.

Don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts below!

Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.