On a wing and a prayer
N 53° 27.039 W 001° 51.923
30U E 575347 N 5923002
An interesting waymark that takes you to one of many aircraft crash sites in the Peak District.
Waymark Code: WM54E
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/21/2005
Views: 401
This waymark is located at the crash site of B-29 Superfortress “Overexposed” which crashed on the 3rd November 1948, killing all 13 crewmembers. The aptly named aircraft, of the USAF 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, was on a flight from RAF Scampton to American AFB Burtonwood. It is not know exactly what happened, but it is thought the aircraft crashed whilst descending through cloud. This particular site has more to see than most - the remains of all four engines can be seen as well as the undercarriage legs, sections of wing and various other bits of twisted metal. There are two other crash sites nearby, with fewer remains – a Royal Canadian Air Force Lancaster at James’s Thorn, about 1km to the West and a USAF C-47 Skytrain (DC3 Dakota) also at James’s Thorn & Ashton Clough.
The waymark can be approached via several routes but the easiest is from the A57 Snake Pass, where the Pennine Way crosses the road at N53 25.969 W1 52.150 you can also park your car at the side of the road here. Follow the Pennine Way (you can’t miss it!) North to Hern Clough at N53 26.987 W1 51.327 When you get to the spot in the photo, follow the arrow to the left of the marker stone and make your way onto the moor. Now for a spot of Bogtrotting! Head due West, across the moor, towards the trig point at Higher Shelf Stones (there is a track but it’s not very well defined and can be easily missed) the wreckage is just to the North East of the trig point. It takes about an hour to get to the site, so bear this in mind when planning your trip. Whilst you’re at the site, don’t miss a visit to the trig point and Higher Shelf Stones. The stones are covered in graffiti, carved into the rocks, dating back to the 19th Century. On a clear day the views over Glossop are superb.
To claim the waymark: take a photograph of yourself, or your GPSr, at the site and post it on here with your log. For those with no camera, e-mail the answer to the following question:- When was the memorial laid?
IMPORTANT
This area is classified as a ‘controlled site’ under the ‘Protection of Military Remains Act 1986’. It is an offence to interfere with the crash site of any military aircraft in the UK; so please look, take photographs and pay your respects, but DO NOT remove any artefacts or ‘souvenirs’ from this site.
This waymark should not be attempted unless you are properly equipped and familiar with walking in ‘wild country’. The weather can change here at the drop of a hat - mist and rain can descend very quickly and it’s easy to get disorientated. Do not rely solely on your GPSr - batteries fail! Carry a map and compass, and know how to use them - waterproofs are also essential. Note that mobile phone coverage is non-existent up here.
Web Address for Related Web Sites: [Web Link]
Date of Crash: 11/03/1948
Aircraft Model: Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Military or Civilian: Military
Tail Number: 44-61999
Cause of Crash:
Crashed whilst descending through cloud.
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Visit Instructions:
Only log waymarks if you have visited the site personally.