|
5. George Hatchman - 2008-09-16 04:17:33 |
| Have just returned from visiting "Beautiful Betsy" crash site at Kroombit Tops N.P. (wef. 15 Sep 08) As a RAAF WOFF (23SQN Unit Historian), with 45yrs uniform service, I have a keen interest in such history and on this occassion took many detailed 10mp digital photos of site. If current photos are of interest, please contact me at ... regards, George Hatchman |
|
4. Col Benson - 2008-03-03 05:02:43 |
Congratulations on your web-site.
I visited Beautiful Betsy with two friends, on 12 - 13 February 2000, about two weeks before the anniversary of her disappearance and crash on 27 February 1945.
On the morning of Sunday 13th February 2000, the three of us from Mackay, Queensland, conducted a brief commemorative service. The officer who led the USArmy CILH forensic investigation team told me, circa 2004, did not know if the team conducted a service for The Fallen. We may have been the first to do so. I would be interested to know details of any other commemorative services.
My remarks from the ceremony that day...
"Almost 55 years ago, eight young men lost their lives in this tranquil and isolated place. So isolated it is that their fate remained unknown for almost 50 years. During that time, their families and friends had no idea of what had happened or where they were.
They were our allies and friends; soon to leave our shores to fight the World War elsewhere.
There is little doubt their families and friends will never come to see where they lie. So we are here in their place, and will do what we can to convey how they lie in peaceful surroundings in the wonderful Australian bush - under the Southern Cross - where wallabies and kangaroos roam - where birds and insects sing and chirp day-in, day-out - where kookaburras laugh at sunrise and sunset.
We can think of no finer place where they could rest in peace and find better company.
They were serving our needs as well as those of their own countries, so this is a ’Thank You’ from us all, as we reflect in a moment of silence."
One minute of silence followed by, "THE ODE".
Colin E (Col) Benson
Kentucky Colonel, Honary Colonel US 5th Air Force
Mackay RSL Historian
Ex-RAAF (1962-82), Vietnam Veteran (1969-70)
(4 March 2008)
|
|
3. Sandy Burns - 2007-01-06 23:42:34 |
| William E. McDaniel, captain of Beautiful Betsy, was my uncle. I will be glad to e-mail with anyone interested in my story. My sister named it "The Story That Won’t Die". Very appropriate. |
|
2. Don (Blue) Quinn - 2005-09-15 10:22:20 |
| Great trip, the powers to be have done themselves proud for looking after the site. We Will Remember Them! (Blue) |
|
Sign guestbook 
1. Heather Atkinson - 2005-09-13 06:53:58