Bomber Command Memorial Register

Foulsham (mid-air collision) Eagle" Memorial

Foulsham (mid-air collision), Norfolk

Partial Record
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Location

Foulsham (mid-air collision), Norfolk, Norfolk

what3words: ///graced.wager.callers

Aircraft & Operation Details

Aircraft Type
Beaufighter V.8715 and B-17 42-5376 "Eager Eagle"
Squadron
75 Sqdn Church Fenton / 305th BG Chelveston
Date of Loss
1943-08-31

Crew

11 killed; 2 survived

Memorial Details

Type
Memorial stone

Memorial Care

parish council
Organisation
Foulsham Parish Council

Local Contacts

These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.

Reepham & District Royal British Legionbritish legion

Local remembrance and memorial support

Foulsham Parish Councilparish council

Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep

Further Reading

American Air Museum in BritainRetrieved 2026-03-23

Record for B-17 42-5376 'Eager Eagle' of the 305th Bomb Group, Chelveston. On 31 August 1943, the aircraft collided mid-air with Beaufighter V8715 over Foulsham, Norfolk, while both were flying without navigation lights during a red air-raid alert.

Both aircraft were flying without lights due to a red alert. Collision at approximately 7,000 feet at 23:30 hours. Eight USAAF crew and one RAF passenger killed; two USAAF waist gunners survived. Both Beaufighter crew killed.

Heroes of Our TimeRetrieved 2026-03-23

Detailed account of the Foulsham mid-air collision and the story behind a memorial plaque erected at the crash site. The Beaufighter's steep turn brought it into the path of the B-17, severing a wing and tearing away two engines from the Fortress.

The Beaufighter was split in half by the collision. B-17 pilot Floyd Truesdell and co-pilot Allan McDaniel were among those killed. Bombardier Robert Barrall DSC was one of the most decorated men in the 305th BG.

Sources

  • Geograph Norfolk(website)

Credits & Acknowledgements

Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Heritage sources
American Air Museum in Britain (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Heroes of Our Time (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Last updated 2026-03-21

Nearby Memorials

Hindolveston Wellington Memorial
Hindolveston, NorfolkWellington1943-12-11
4.4 km
away
Bawdeswell Mosquito Memorial
Bawdeswell, NorfolkMosquito1944-11-06
4.6 km
away
Briston W.5444 Memorial
Briston, NorfolkWellington W.54441941-08-17
8.2 km
away
Beetley Wellington Memorial
Beetley, NorfolkWellington1942-11-09
8.7 km
away
Brisley V.5455 Memorial
Brisley, NorfolkBlenheim V.54551942-06-09
8.9 km
away

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This record for Foulsham (mid-air collision) Eagle" Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.

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