‘Over Exposed’ near Glossop
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January 2013 visit
Another visit to RB29 Superfortress ‘Over Exposed which crashed on Bleaklow near Glossop on the morning of 3rd November 1948.
It was a routine flight from Scampton in Lincolnshire to the US airbase at Burtonwood, carrying USAF wages among other things. The crew were due to return to the States in a few days.
Over Exposed was a photo reconnaissance aircraft – hence the name – and had photographed some of the nuclear bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean and had taken part in the Berlin airlift.
CREW
Pilot, Captain Landon P. Tanner
Co-pilot, Captain Harry Stroud
Engineer, Technical Sergeant Ralph Fields
Navigator, Sergeant Charles Wilbanks
Radio Operator, Staff Sergeant Gene A. Gartner
Radar Operator, Staff Sergeant David D. Moore
CAMERA CREW
Technical Sergeant Saul R. Banks
Sergeant Donald R. Abrogast
Sergeant Robert I. Doyle
Private First Class William M. Burrows.
Corporal M. Franssen
Corporal George Ingram
Acting as photographic adviser was Captain Howard Keel of the 4201st Motion Picture Unit.
All 13 men were killed instantly when the Superfortress flew into the moor. It is not known why Captain Tanner did not fly at a height sufficient to clear the high ground.
Great stuff mate – I’ve been waiting for these!
The top un looks grand in lightbox – the rusty wheels contrast well with the snow.
This is just so damn cool Ian …. I love how to take us down into bits of history that we had either forgotten or just never knew …. great work mate….truly
I’m not sure what to think here Ian (regarding the wreck site, not your photography!). The snow and blue sky seem to sanitise the site, I’ve always thought the blackened peat and stark aluminium of the wreck has struck a suitably sombre mood, especially when the mist rolls in…
So this was your trip up to bleaklow in the sunshine.
I think the snow makes it look even more remote and….well……exposed.
Like the second shot which shows the conditions of the location.
So poignant now with the snow as well – well captured Ian
Fantastic shots and well done for getting there..
Touching that the wreck has been left there as a reminder to us.
Well documented Ian. Nice captures.
Looks amazing in the snow …..crashsites certainly suit winter weather when there is enough bits to see in the snow
Seems to be a fav spot of yours. Some amazing shots, look good on Black.
Seems to be a fav spot of yours. Some amazing shots, look good on Black.
Stunning images Ian, underpinned by your usual detailed info 😉
wonderful image Ian
brilliant photos , ian , great colour and detail
take care
Excellent Ian – very interesting..Was wondering about Howard Keel.
Both sad and incredibly beautiful at the same time. The snow softens the scene a little. It looks bleak without it. Thank you for the info too. Poor blokes.
ps. I particularly love the last shot – it is so very visual.
Great little series. Still amazes me that so much is up there. The snow in the sunlight really adds to the emotion of the scene
Fantastic, the snow makes the shots even better.
A Heinkel engine from a 1939 crash is now showing on our beach on a very low tide, I am hoping to get some photos at the weekend. Watch this space.
Great set of winter shots from the crash site. The combination of snow and clear sky colours on a sunny, frosty winter day give amazing results.
Brilliant and poignant. Thanks for sharing.
Great Snow Scene.
Sad that the whole crew died because the pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude. However, such is aviation…one slip-up and you and your crew/passengers are all dead. The photos are magnificent, with the old steel and aluminum contrasted by that stark white snow and the incredibly blue sky, both of which say "life goes on".
tragic tale, amazing condition and amount of wreckage. can only guess this is due to it’s location, or the fact that there still seems alot intact. sure was a snowy arrival for you that day, looks amazing!!
Thanks very much for your views and faves and thoughts everyone. It is a sad place, but the snow certainly added something. This wreck site is worth photographing in any weather (even at night!) but under snow it was special.
I remember walking past this crash site as a child with my parents (they were both keen hikers). You are spot on though these images you’ve captured are special, your dedication is an inspiration.
Another of your "wow" shots, must be great getting those shots in that weather, as usual the history to the wreck adds to your image, thanks for posting Ian.
Thank you very much for these images. My grandfather Cpl George Ingram perished on this flight. My father was barely 2yrs old when his father died. It is with great interest that i am learning about this awful day that affected my family so much.
Thank you Kristi, it means a lot when I hear from family members. I feel quite honored to be able to contribute to the memory of these airmen in this way.
Ian