The Tragic Tale of the B-29 Superfortress "Over Exposed" – History Tools (2024)

In the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, UK, a haunting remnant of World War II history lies scattered across the rugged moorland. The wreckage of a B-29 Superfortress, nicknamed "Over Exposed," serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the aircraft‘s remarkable journey through some of the most significant events of the 20th century.

The B-29 Superfortress: A Technological Marvel

The B-29 Superfortress was a state-of-the-art, long-range heavy bomber designed by Boeing Aircraft Company during World War II. It was one of the largest and most technologically advanced aircraft of its time, featuring innovations such as a pressurized cabin, remote-controlled gun turrets, and an analog computer-controlled fire-control system (Baugher, 2020).

The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) commissioned 3,970 B-29s between 1943 and 1946, with the aircraft playing a crucial role in the Pacific theater during World War II and later in the Korean War (Globalsecurity.org, 2021).

"Over Exposed": A Witness to History

The B-29 Superfortress that would come to be known as "Over Exposed" was originally part of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron of the USAAF. Unlike most B-29s, which were designed for bombing missions, "Over Exposed" was specially adapted for reconnaissance purposes.

In July 1946, "Over Exposed" participated in Operation Crossroads, a series of nuclear weapon tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The aircraft‘s role was to photograph the tests, including the infamous "Baker" shot, where an atomic bomb was detonated 90 feet underwater (Naval History and Heritage Command, 2020). This mission earned the aircraft its nickname, "Over Exposed," a fitting title considering its role in documenting one of the most significant events of the early Cold War era.

Two years later, in 1948, "Over Exposed" found itself at the center of another historic event: the Berlin Airlift. As the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin, cutting off vital supplies to the city‘s residents, the B-29 was among the many aircraft that flew countless missions to deliver food, fuel, and other essentials. The Berlin Airlift lasted from June 1948 to May 1949, and during this time, "Over Exposed" and its crew provided a lifeline to the beleaguered city (Harrington, 1998).

The Fateful Flight and Tragic Crash

Following its participation in the Berlin Airlift, "Over Exposed" was called to the United Kingdom to continue its reconnaissance duties, operating in the Peak District area. On November 3, 1948, the aircraft took off from RAF Scampton near Lincoln at 10:15 AM, accompanied by two other planes. The crew, consisting of 13 men, was tasked with a routine flight over the moors.

However, the weather conditions that day were far from ideal. Heavy cloud cover blanketed the area, forcing the pilots to rely on their instruments to navigate. As they flew over the Peak District, the crew believed they had cleared the hills and began their descent. Tragically, they had misjudged their position.

At approximately 11:00 AM, "Over Exposed" slammed into the ground near Higher Shelf Stones in Bleaklow. The impact and subsequent fire claimed the lives of all 13 crew members on board. The cause of the crash was later determined to be a combination of poor visibility and pilot error (Peak District National Park Authority, 2020).

Preserving the Memory of "Over Exposed"

Today, the wreckage of "Over Exposed," now known as the "Bleaklow Bomber," remains scattered across the moorland, a somber reminder of the lives lost that fateful day. The crash site has become a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to pay their respects to the fallen crew and to learn more about the aircraft‘s remarkable history.

Efforts to preserve the crash site have been ongoing, with collaboration between local authorities, military organizations, and conservation groups. The Peak District National Park Authority, in partnership with the Royal Air Force and the National Trust, has worked to maintain the site and protect it from damage caused by weathering and human interaction (Peak District National Park Authority, 2020).

In 1988, servicemen from RAF Finningley erected a memorial stone at the site to honor the memory of the crew. The inscription reads:

"In memory of the crew of U.S.A.A.F. B29 Superfortress 44-61999 ‘Over Exposed‘ of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron who died when their aircraft crashed at this location on 3rd November 1948."

The crew members who lost their lives that day were:

1. Captain Landon P. Tanner (Pilot)
2. 1st Lieutenant Charles Crymble (Co-Pilot)
3. 1st Lieutenant George Birdsong (Navigator)
4. 1st Lieutenant Joe R. Szymanowski (Bombardier)
5. Master Sergeant Saul Banks (Flight Engineer)
6. Technical Sergeant Jack D. Kennedy (Radio Operator)
7. Staff Sergeant Gene A. Gartner (Radar Operator)
8. Staff Sergeant Hilliard Wilbanks (Gunner)
9. Staff Sergeant William M. Burrows (Gunner)
10. Staff Sergeant Millard C. Wells (Gunner)
11. Corporal Clarence P. Frantz (Gunner)
12. Corporal Harold D. Kamp (Gunner)
13. Private First Class Harold D. Rhoads (Gunner)

Remembrance poppies are often placed near the memorial stone as a tribute to their sacrifice.

Visiting the Bleaklow Bomber Crash Site

For those wishing to pay their respects and experience a piece of military history firsthand, the Bleaklow Bomber crash site is accessible via a challenging 2-mile walk from the lay-by on Snake Pass (A57). The trail leads to Bleaklow Head, passing the trig point at Higher Shelf Stones before reaching the wreckage.

Visitors should be prepared for a strenuous hike and wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. It is essential to respect the site and refrain from removing or disturbing any of the wreckage, as it is protected by law.

The crash site offers a unique opportunity for visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and to gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the 20th century. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and learning from our shared history.

As Dr. John Barnatt, an archaeologist with the Peak District National Park Authority, stated in an interview with the BBC:

"The Bleaklow Bomber is a significant historical site that tells a powerful story of sacrifice and bravery. By preserving the wreckage and sharing its history, we ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by the incredible events that took place here." (BBC News, 2018)

In conclusion, the tragic tale of "Over Exposed" and its crew serves as a testament to the courage and dedication of the countless men and women who served their country during times of war and conflict. The Bleaklow Bomber crash site stands as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice and a valuable educational resource for generations to come.

References

• Baugher, J. (2020). Boeing B-29 Superfortress. Retrieved from http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_bombers/b29.html
• BBC News. (2018). Bleaklow Bomber: The WWII crash that‘s become a Peak District landmark. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-46027660
• Globalsecurity.org. (2021). B-29 Superfortress. Retrieved from https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/b-29.htm
• Harrington, J. (1998). The Berlin Airlift: The Salvation of a City. Retrieved from https://www.historynet.com/berlin-airlift-salvation-city.htm
• Naval History and Heritage Command. (2020). Operation Crossroads: Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/o/operation-crossroads-fact-sheet.html
• Peak District National Park Authority. (2020). Bleaklow B-29 Superfortress Crash Site. Retrieved from https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/heritage/b-29-superfortress-crash-site