78th Fighter Group 78th Fighter Group
With the perseverance of a few dedicated aviation archeologists, 78th Fighter Group aircraft that were reported lost as a result of either combat or accidents are located and recovered. Each recovered aircraft has it's own unique story. Follow up research on the part of the recovery teams has filled in pertinent gaps in the story of the 78th Fighter Group.
2nd. Lt. William H. Genge
( P-47D, MX-F, s/n 42-76585, 82nd Fighter Squadron, POW 5-24-44 )
On May 24, 1944, 2nd. Lt. William H.Genge, 82nd Fighter Squadron, developed serious engine trouble over the Netherlands during a bomber escort mission to Bremen. The aircraft crashed near the town of Harenkarspel. The pilot was seen bailing out just prior to impact( the aircraft struck the ground just 500 yards from where Lt. Genge came down). He was immediately captured by the Germans. Large portions of the wreckage were also recovered by the Germans and transported away. See the official USAAF " Missing Aircrew Report " and verification here.
During the 1960s, parts of the canopy were discovered at the crash site, prompting further investigation by the Airwar Study Group of Bergen. They beleived that significant pieces of the aircraft were still buried at the site including the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 engine. Rob Delachaux, Johan Schuurman, Ferdinand Mul, Hans Nauta and others began the search and excavation in 1985. The pictures and article below illustrate the successful results of their search. A large portion of the tail section, the engine and a number of other significant parts and artifacts were recovered.
Rob Delachaux personally searched for a long time and finally managed to contact Bill Genge in 1988. This resulted in a visit to the Netherlands by Bill and his wife. A friendship soon developed between the two men and Rob was able to present Bill with the recovered seat buckles and flying glove shown below.
The engine and other major pieces recovered from the P-47 excavation are on display at the museum of the " Aircraft Recovery Group( ARG ) '40 - '45 ", near Heemskerk, Netherlands. Please visit the " Dutch Federation of Aircraft Archeologists " web site for more information about the "ARG".
Picture taken of the tail section from P-47, s/n 42-76585, shortly after the crash in 1944. (Picture Source: Paul Patist )
Pressed paper auxiliary fuel tank from P-47, s/n 42-76585, recovered shortly after the crash in 1944. ( Picture Source: Paul Patist )
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Recovered seat buckles and a flying glove recovered from the excavation of P-47D, s/n 42-76585. These artifacts were presented to the pilot, Willim H. Genge in 1988 by Rob Delachaux. ( Picture Source: Paul Patist )
A January 1986 article from the British magazine, "FlyPast", reporting on the excavation of P-47-D, s/n 42-76585, by the Airwar Study Group of Bergen. ( Picture Source: Paul Patist )
A scale model of 2nd. Lt. William H. Genge's P-47D razorback, s/n 42-76585 was built by US modeler Ron Lucas at the request of Bill Genge's son-in-law to celebrate Bill's 67th birthday.
Thanks Paul !
This page was last revised on 2 / 22 / 01
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