Memorial Details
Memorial
Propeller B17 Bomber 1939-45 Braydon Crag
Reference
C28.01
Place
CHEVIOT
Map ref
NT 895214
Original Location
Braydon Crag, on top of Cheviot, on the site of the crash of a Boeing Flying Fortress B17G
Present Location
Erected where the aeroplane crashed into the hillside in December 1944.
Which war
1939-45
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Unveiled May 29th 1968
Memorial Description
Cairn built with propeller blade cemented in, with brass inscription plaque.
Materials used
Stones
Inscription
St. Michaels Church Choir Club
The Reivers
to the men of the
U.S.A.A.F.
who fought for our freedom
1941-1945
Names
See above.
Who commissioned
The Reivers (choirboys from St. Michael's Church at Alnwick)
How money was raised
Public subscription.
Present condition
Gone. It was vandalised soon after it was erected, part of propeller broken off and the inscription removed.
Notes
1. The B19 Flying Fortress was returning from an aborted bombing raid when it ran into a snowstorm and crashed on Cheviot. A shepherd, John Dagg, heard the crash and set out to help, meeting another shepherd, Frank Moscrop, on the way. By the time they arrived at the crash scene, Sheila the Collie had sniffed out four of the aircrew. Another three had escaped. The seven set off towards the farmhouse with the farmers. The following day they went back and found the bodies of two other members of the crew who had died.
2. A dog, Sheila, who featured in the rescue of the crashed airmen was awarded the Dickin Medal for Animal Heroism. Also, two local shepherds were awarded the B.E.M. for their help in the search. The award of the BEM to the owner of the dog and the Dickin medal to the dog is thought to be the only double gallantry award of its kind.
3. One of the crew members who died was Sgt. Frank Turner of South Carolina. One of Sheila’s pups was later sent to his family.
4. The Dickin Medal was sold at auction for £25,000 by an unknown person in the north east of England in 2005.
5. One of the nine crew who survived died in 2005. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at this crash site, as he always maintained he should have died there.
2. A dog, Sheila, who featured in the rescue of the crashed airmen was awarded the Dickin Medal for Animal Heroism. Also, two local shepherds were awarded the B.E.M. for their help in the search. The award of the BEM to the owner of the dog and the Dickin medal to the dog is thought to be the only double gallantry award of its kind.
3. One of the crew members who died was Sgt. Frank Turner of South Carolina. One of Sheila’s pups was later sent to his family.
4. The Dickin Medal was sold at auction for £25,000 by an unknown person in the north east of England in 2005.
5. One of the nine crew who survived died in 2005. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at this crash site, as he always maintained he should have died there.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: J.C. Housby
The Stars and Stripes 13/6/1968
Newcastle Central Library
Northumberland Gazette 31/05/1968 page 5; rededication after repairs 04/07/1969 page 9.
Britain's Aviation Memorials and Mementoes David J. Smith, 1992, Patrick Stephens Ltd.
They Also Serve , Dorothea St.Hill Bourne, Published 1947 by Winchester Publications Ltd., 16 Maddox Street, London, W1 contains a photo of Sheila the Collie
The Journal 14/12/2005 reports sale of Dickin Medal.
Wooler at War 1939-1945. Glendale Local History Society, Wooler, 1996.
Where the Hills Meet the Sky: A Guide to Wartime Crashes on the Cheviot Hills Peter Clark; Glen Graphics; ISBN 1 9000038 10 2
The Stars and Stripes 13/6/1968
Newcastle Central Library
Northumberland Gazette 31/05/1968 page 5; rededication after repairs 04/07/1969 page 9.
Britain's Aviation Memorials and Mementoes David J. Smith, 1992, Patrick Stephens Ltd.
They Also Serve , Dorothea St.Hill Bourne, Published 1947 by Winchester Publications Ltd., 16 Maddox Street, London, W1 contains a photo of Sheila the Collie
The Journal 14/12/2005 reports sale of Dickin Medal.
Wooler at War 1939-1945. Glendale Local History Society, Wooler, 1996.
Where the Hills Meet the Sky: A Guide to Wartime Crashes on the Cheviot Hills Peter Clark; Glen Graphics; ISBN 1 9000038 10 2
External web link
Additional Research documents (click to download)
Research acknowledgements
Moira Nicholson, Glendale Local History Society; Philip Thirkell; Newcastle Central Library; J.C. Housby; Mr. Kent (St. Michael's Church); G. and J. Brown; Miss Dagg (Milfield)
Research In Progress
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Propeller B17 Bomber 1939-45 Braydon Crag (C28.01)
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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