HEAVENLY DAZE

NAME

SER

BLK

SERIAL #

RCL/#

V#-P

PHOTO CREDITS

HEAVENLY DAZE

42-63970

330

00-1

DON MORRISON

Contributor - Vic Walzel
Shot down by the British RAF as a result of runaway engines after take-off on a mission. The Pilot, Lt Richard J. Pettit, couldn't get things straightened out and they were ordered to trim the best they could and head it out to sea and bail out. While wandering around over coastal England and the North Sea, the engines straightened out and continued to fly in big circles. The Royal Observer Corps couldn't locate her in the overcast and some Spitfires were sent to check it out. Eventually, the crew reported in and the home base, Hardwick, was in contact with the British and they decided the best thing was to shoot her down when in a good location. This was done over water after the plane flew on her own for more than 90 minutes. This info comes from Ted's Travelling Circus. My brother, 1st Lt. Leland H. Walzel (26 Dec 20 - 6 Mar 44), flew his first mission on this plane.