Searching for B-17 Crash Site Documents

[Marc Ferrero]

My father-in-law flew for the 412th Bomber Squadron / 95th Bomb Group and on March 6, 1944 his plane a/c # 42-39793 was shot down N.E. of Osnabruck around 12:10 p.m. and all 10 of the crew became P.O.W. The aircraft may have crashed in the GOLDENSTEDTER HEIDE area of Germany. The exact grid-coordinate of the aircraft crash is 8°23' East - 52°43'30" north. The exact location is 7 km SSW GOLDENSTEDT and 8 km WNW BARNSTORF, just at the edge of the GOLDENSTEDTER MOOR, called "Dreiecksmoor." There were 7 bombers that crashed in the area that day and 6 are identified but the 7th plane may be my dads. I have been searching for several years now for any German document and a possible photo of the crash site that would in fact confirm the above information as being 100% accurate. If anyone has information whatsoever as to where I might locate these, if they still exist, I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you so very much.
Marc Ferrero

[Richard T Eger]

Dear Marc,

Your question, in one form or another, does get repeatedly asked on this site, as well as on 12 O'Clock High!. There are 2 topics on the LWAG site "References & Reference Materials" forum that may prove useful to you:

My relative's B-17 was shot down over X on this date. Who shot him down?

R.A.F. Bomber Command losses and Nachjägd claims for 16th/17th March 1945

The first deals with this type of question in general. The second is an excellent study by Rod Mackenzie that should help you in your search.

If you haven't obtained the Missing Air Crew Report on your father-in-law's aircraft, this would be a helpful resource. Details on these can be found elsewhere on the LWAG site.

Regards,
Richard