I have received an inquiry from France regarding information on 1st Lt. J. W. Berryhill (pilot) and 2nd Lt. R. L. Rodgers (Radar Operator). Both were members of the 417th and tragically died in November of 1944 when their Beaufighter, BT287 Sad Sack II” crashed into Mt. Arpette in France.
The inquirer is looking for any photos of these two men to (in his words) honour “…heroes who died for his liberty”.
The town of La Ferrière has a monument with plague recognising the death of these 2 men.
Both Rodgers and Berry were stationed in Dijon at the time. I have a limited number of photographs from the 417th’s time in Dijon and most have no names associated with the individuals. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I was recently contacted by the son of Charles Lwellyn Thomas, a member of the 65th Signal Battalion and served in Europe during WWII. Amongst his father’s collection were these two photos of the 416th’s P-61 called “The Great Specked Bird”. These are a welcomed addition to the collection.
The 416th’s Great Speckled Bird. Tail number #42-39417. Photo supplied by Charles Lwellyn Thomas of the 65th Signal Battalion.Great Speckled Bird Closer up. Photo supplied by Charles Lwellyn Thomas of the 65th Signal Battalion.Charles Lwellyn Thomas who served in Europe in WWII with the 65th Signal Battalion.
The Great Specked Bird photos have also been added to the Planes collection.
