The 389th Bomb Group Around the Local Area
The Green Dragon
This Wymondham Pub was so frequented by the 389th Airmen that their Assembly Ship was christened the "Green Dragon." The "Sky Scorpion" logo is based off the Tavern's dragon mascot
Fred Squires remembered seeing the airmen visiting the Green Dragon as a boy saying, 'When I was 10, I used to come down town with my mum and see all the men. 99 percent of the jeeps outside the pub were officers that flew in combat. They would always ask for a half of ale – never a pint.'
Be sure to stop by
6 Church St, Wymondham
NR18 0PH
All Saints Church, Hethel
Located about a half a mile away, Airmen would frequently visit this village church. Just outside the church's main door is the 389th War Memorial Stone. To visit, follow the path to the right, as facing the museum, through the woods.
**Please note the Church is not open except for services or upon special request
Ketteringham Hall
About two miles away you will find Ketteringham Hall. Once home to the Boileau Family, the hall was requistioned for wartime use and was home to the Second Air Division Headquarters from December 1943 to June 1945. There were about 700 people stationed at headquarters, including up to 300 women, at any one time.
All Saints Church, Carleton Rode
This 13 c. church houses a plaque and window dedicated to the crews of four aircraft that collided in two separate collisions over the parish during the Second World War.
On November 21st 1944, the 389th was preparing for a mission to bomb the oil plants at Hamburg, Germany. While joining with the formation, "Earthquake McGoon," piloted by Lt. Alfred Brooks collided with "Old Glory, piloted by 1st Lt. James E. Rhine. Both aircraft crashed to the ground. Brooks was the sole survivor from his aircraft, while TSgt Peter Ferdinand and 2Lt William Martin Jr survived from "Old Glory." In total seventeen of the aircrew died that day in the resultant crash.
Crew Members of "Earthquake McGoon"
2Lt Donald Bremer
2Lt Neil R Snodgrass
TSgt William Bucher
TSgt Stanley H. Smith
SSgt Walter Brewer
SSgt Julius Heitler
SSgt Carl V. Hughes
SSgt William C. Sawyer
**Please note the Church is not open except for services or upon special request.
Crew Members of "Old Glory"
1st Lt James E. Rhine,
1st Lt Joseph Safier
2nd Lt Jack E. Ryles
Tech/Sgt. Eldin G. Forester
Tech/Sgt. Harold M. Thompson
Staff/Sgt. Roger W. Krouskup
Staff/Sgt. Fred L. Landrum
Staff/Sgt. William E. Leatherwood
Staff/Sgt. Harry W. Looy