The story
On Sunday September 17 1944, a fleet of Skytrain transport aircraft, Waco gliders and accompanying jets flew the U.S. 101st Airborne Division from England to the Netherlands to be dropped at Son and Veghel. These aircraft arrived over the area where this boulder stands.
The Germans had stationed considerable anti-aircraft fire in this wooded area. Above Bladel, Casteren, Netersel and Hoogeloon, five Skytrains were shot down, killing the crew and paratroopers. Those who had managed to jump from their burning aircraft in time were often helped by people from the underground. A crashing plane also killed people on the ground.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.