"On 26 January 1944, a 23-year-old US pilot was flying a mighty P-47 Thunderbolt on a wartime training exercise when it crashed in Essex. Locals witnessed the horror of 2nd Lt Lester Lowry's aircraft diving to the ground and bursting into flames. Lowry was not seen to bail out and he has remained missing in action (MIA) for more than 80 years."
"Now, in a field near Great Bardfield, a recovery operation has been taking place to unearth the mangled remains of the wreckage, some of which will be repatriated to Lowry's home in Pennsylvania. This special mission is being overseen by the US Department of Defense PoW/MIA accounting agency (DPAA) as well as the UK's Ministry of Defence and Cotswold Archaeology. It is about laying such heroes to rest and remembering their sacrifice."
"The excavation will feature in an episode of More 4's Hidden Wonders series, which begins on 4 November. It is co-presented by Sandi Toksvig, the broadcaster, who had studied archaeology at the University of Cambridge. She said they were piecing together the untold story of a young man who never made it home. The dig aims to support recovery of wounded and sick military personnel and veterans through participation in archaeological excavations."
A P-47 Thunderbolt piloted by 23-year-old 2nd Lt Lester Lowry crashed in heavy cloud near Essex on 26 January 1944, and Lowry was not seen to bail out, remaining MIA for over 80 years. The wreck, nicknamed Lucky Boy, has been excavated in a field near Great Bardfield with parts to be repatriated to Lowry's home in Pennsylvania. The recovery is overseen by the US Department of Defense PoW/MIA Accounting Agency, the UK Ministry of Defence and Cotswold Archaeology. Recovered items include engine components, fuselage and wing remnants, and armament fragments. The excavation will appear on More4's Hidden Wonders and supports veteran recovery through archaeological participation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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