Shane Ellis;
80 years ago July 13, 1944 my grandfather Frank Thomas (radio operator) and his crew took off from Seething, England in their B-24 on their 3rd mission. They were the last plane in the formation (“tail end Charlie”) and were hit by anti-aircraft fire over Saarbrücken, Germany. They flew the plane while it was on fire toward Switzerland and bailed out in the last few seconds before the plane exploded over Bätterkinden, Switzerland. My grandfather recalled plane parts raining down all around them as they parachuted to the ground. All crew survived, were interned in Switzerland, and he was one of two who escaped with the help of the French Resistance. He made his way behind enemy lines back to England and then returned home to Alabama.
I have visited the Seething Airfield, the crash site and my Swiss and English friends many times as did my mother (pictured) and other family members. We all have fond memories of him and admire the bravery and courage of him and his crew as they served their country.
A special thanks to Patricia Everson in England, Rolf Zaugg in Switzerland and all their associates for their efforts to preserve the memories of these events over the years. Their contributions cannot be overstated nor the kindness and respect they have shown to my family. My grandfather would be proud that after such a horrifying and traumatic experience, one result was these bonds of friendship and good memories made between American, English, and Swiss friends.
Impressions
