Date: 5th April 1945
Unit: 355th Fighter Group/354th Fighter Squadron.
Type: P-51 North American Mustang.
Serial: 44-11759
Code: WR-L
Location: Asch, Netherlands.
Pilot: 2nd Lieutenant. Robert G. McDonell 0-2057659 - Killed.
REASON FOR LOSS: (Source: M.A.C.R. Report)
On April 2nd 1945, at 14.01 hours, Lt. McDonell piloting aircraft WR-L, Serial No. 44-11759 took off from this field (Steeple Morden) on a operational mission with 354th Fighter Squadron, his call-sign was Falcon 6.
Lt McDonell was flying No.2 position in Falcon Red Flight. There was no radio contact with Lt McDonell during the flight.
When Lt McDonell failed to return to this base with the 354th FS, this office immediately notified Combat Operations, was later notified that Lt McDonell had landed on the continent at B-88 (Heesch/Netherlands). On April 5th this office was notified by teletype message that Lt McDonell was airborne from B-88 en-route to this station at 14.25 hours.
Lt. McDonell failed to arrive at this station and all attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful.
The crash site as indicated by red line. (via van de Velde) Right: The Memorial to the 355th Fighter Group at Steeple Morden.
Burial detail:
Robert McDonell is remembered on the 355th Fighter Group memorial at Steeple Morden. No burial details have been found on the American Battle Monuments Commission website so it is presumed his body was returned home to the United States.
Researched by Melvin Brownless A.R. Society with thanks to Richard van de Velde (May 2012)
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