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Norfolk
North Lopham (mid-air collision) 43-38746 Memorial
North Lopham (mid-air collision), Norfolk
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by North Lopham Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
96th Bombardment Group Snetterton Heath Commemorating the American Airmen Who Died When Two Aircraft Collided Over This Village 29th January 1945 Aircraft 44-6137 337 Squadron [crew Names Inscribed on Memorial] Aircraft 43-38746 338 Squadron [crew Names Inscribed on Memorial] Their Names Will Live for Evermore
LocationApproximate Location
North Lopham (mid-air collision), Norfolk, Norfolk
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What Happened
Flying with the 96th Bomb Group from Snetterton Heath, two B-17 Flying Fortresses — 44-6137 *The Abortion Queen* and 43-38746 — suffered a mid-air collision over North Lopham, Norfolk, on 29 January 1945. Both aircraft were destroyed in the impact, with no survivors from either crew. All nine men aboard each aircraft were killed, eighteen airmen in total. Among those who died were W. Brauner, N. E. Ellington, M. A. Faux, J. E. Flora, and R. I. Good. The wreckage came down near North Lopham, where the loss of both complete crews was recorded.
Community Connection
SNETTERTON HEATH
Remembrance
Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.
Share remembrance informationAircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
B-17 44-6137 "The Abortion Queen" and B-17 43-38746
Serial Number
44-6137, 43-38746
Squadron
96th BG
Station
Snetterton Heath (USAAF)
Date of Loss
1945-01-29
Crew (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
North Lopham Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
North Walsham & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
North Lopham Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aviation TrailsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed account of the mid-air collision on 29 January 1945. Two B-17s from the 96th Bomb Group collided over North Lopham while departing RAF Snetterton Heath (Station 138) for Mission 811 to bomb the Bielefeld marshalling yards at Kassel. 2nd Lt Alex Philipovitch's aircraft flew across the path of 2nd Lt George Peretti's B-17; Peretti's port wing struck the first aircraft causing it to explode, while his own aircraft was split in half. All 18 crew members were killed.
What you'll find: Explore detailed account of mid-air collision on 29 January 1945 at Aviation Trails' Memorial page.
Mission 811 to Bielefeld marshalling yards2nd Lt Philipovitch and 2nd Lt Peretti were pilotsPhilipovitch's aircraft exploded on impactPeretti's aircraft split in half337th Bomb Squadron involved
Imperial War MuseumsRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM War Memorials Register entry for the 96th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortresses 43-38746 and 44-6137 mid-air collision memorial at North Lopham, Norfolk.
What you'll find: Detailed account of 96th Bomb Group's aircraft collision memorial in North Lopham, Norfolk.
IWM memorial reference 56245Both aircraft serials confirmed: 43-38746 and 44-6137
American Air MuseumRetrieved 2026-03-23
American Air Museum archive entry for the 96th Bomb Group based at Snetterton Heath (Station 138), documenting the unit's operations and losses including the North Lopham collision.
What you'll find: Explore the American Air Museum's detailed archive on the 96th Bomb Group, featuring their operations and tragic North Lopham mid-air collision.
96th Bomb Group at Station 138 (Snetterton Heath)Unit history documented in American Air Museum
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aviation Trails (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Imperial War Museums (retrieved 2026-03-23)
American Air Museum (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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