On 17 September 1944, the American-made reconnaissance aircraft P-51 Mustang FZ125-YT-C crashed on the Broeseinderdijk on the Grote Heide in Neerpelt.
The Canadian pilot Henry James (Jimmy to his friends) Muir was carrying out an armed reconnaissance flight over Arnhem in the late afternoon. During this flight, he was hit by German FLAK anti-aircraft guns. The RCAF pilot lost his life. He found his final resting place in the old cemetery of Neerpelt.
The American aircraft was included in the 65th squadron of the 122nd Wing of the Royal Air Force. The Wing made its contribution to the major operation Market Garden. In early September 1944, the Wing settled at the Grimbergen airfield.
On 17 September 1944 at 16:25, eight Mustangs took off in Grimbergen. A good two hours later, only six returned. The aircraft FX896 of F/L D.G. Metzler was also lost. After an air battle, the aircraft crashed after an air battle above Oosterbeek near Arnhem. F/L Metzler also lost his life.
During the Battle of Arnhem from 17 to 25 September 1944, the main task of the 65th squadron was to prevent reinforcements of the German occupiers in the Netherlands. For this reason, attacks were carried out on tanks, trains and trucks.
(TracesOfWar)