Hump Day History

 


Welsh government officials have proclaimed this crash site, of an American WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning, to be protected for its historic and archaeological interest.  It has been nicknamed the Maid of Harlech, after a 13th century castle.

The plane lies two meters below the seabed, but under certain conditions, it becomes visible in the sand.

She crashed in September 1942 when the pilot, Second Lt. Robert F. Elliott, ran into difficulties during a gunnery practice mission.  Elliott walked away, but was reported MIA a few months later.

Matt Rimmer, a local aviation historian, has long advocated for preservation.

"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 air crew from many countries who trained here."


In 2016, Elliott's nephew was able to visit the site, which remains a confidential location.


The Guardian

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