"A startling piece of World War Two history has been uncovered in a field in south Northamptonshire. Over the weekend, a team of aeroplane experts and archaeologists uncovered the remains of a B-17 Flying Fortress which crashed on a site near Blakesley on October 11, 1944. Among the hundreds of finds the group discovered were numerous bullets, pieces of the American plane's windscreen, one of its wheels and a pedal from the cockpit. But the most remarkable discoveries included two boots worn by members of the crew, remnants of a parachute and most incredibly of all, a small silver bracelet worn by the plane's pilot, Nicholas Jorgensen, which despite being buried underground for more than 60 years, still had his name inscribed on the back" Pilot's bracelet found 66 years after crash - Northampton Chronicle and Echo
In the comments section to the story: Elisa Jorgensen, Ocala, Florida, USA 31/08/2010 17:31:43 Amazing! Nicholas Jorgensen was my uncle and a very special person to our family. Thank you to the efforts of everyone involved for making this information known to us.
Here's some more on this story- Tragic story of pilot Nicholas Jorgensen unearthed - Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Here's the latest on that story-the pilot's relatives have been traced: "THE American family of a second man who died in an horrific plane crash above Northamptonshire during World War Two have been found. In August this year, a team from Sywell Aviation Museum carried out a dig in a field near Blakesley in south Northamptonshire where a B-17 Flying Fortress had crashed during a training mission on October 11, 1944. Their dig revealed the remains of the plane and a bracelet belonging to its pilot, American serviceman Nicholas Jorgensen. Following the discovery, the Chron traced Mr Jorgensen’s family living in New Jersey and now the family of the B-17’s co-pilot, David Tritsch, have also been found." World War Two crash site reveals more discoveries - Features - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
My dad's father was David O. Tritsch, the co-pilot. We've lived our lives not knowing details of the accident so this finding was enormously appreciated! The fact that they created a memorial in response to the find was overwhelming! I wish my grandmother had lived to see it. From what I am told, she was never the same after he passed. Thank you to all of the people involved in the memorial project and to the people of England for remembering! ~ Dana M. Jean, Texas, U.S.A.
Gordon- My dad is David Tritsch, the co-pilot's son. Thank you so much for posting information like this. The bracelet and then the memorial that followed are more appreciated than anyone will ever know. I can't begin to tell you how much this has meant to my family. Thank you! ~ Dana M. Jean
We were My dad is the co-pilot's son, and I know Nicholas Jorgenson's family was contacted too. It's been an amazing experience! We are forever grateful!
