After my father’s B-17 Flying Fortress was shot down and crashed at Macquenoise, Belgium on February 8, 1944, two small cross necklaces were made out of the plexiglass from the plane, named the Susan Ruth after my oldest sister who was one year old went my father went overseas to be stationed with the 306th Bomb Group at Thurleigh, England.
After the war ended, the little crosses were sent by Nelly Tilquin to my father, Howard, to give to his wife, Ruth, and his mother Minn. Nelly and her husband, Paul, were two of many Belgian patriots who helped hide my father from the Germans while he was missing in action for seven months.
In her June 1945 letter to Howard, Nelly wrote:
“We are sending you in return our modest family photograph. Also, two small crosses made out of the mica coming from the debris of the fortress which you were piloting above us at the time of the tragedy, and a little handkerchief cut out of a piece of the parachute which saved your life.”
Although plexiglass is not technically a type of glass, the substance is often called acrylic glass. Because of its lightweight and shatter-resistant properties, it was used for aircraft windshields, nose sections, and gun turrets.
I’ve always adored that cross worn around the neck of my dear friend, and your sister, Nancy! I knew the story of how it came to be around her neck, and it made it all the more precious than any gemstone!
Yes, indeed!
Wonderful share and I will have to read your book. My father was shot down over Holland 9/11/44 and was missing three months. His aircraft was excavated in 2005 (thirteen years after his passing). I have visited Holland three times and met the woman who hid him for most of that time period as well as three other individuals, one civilian and two dutch underground, who assisted in his evasion. I am presently writing about this experience. I have a small heart, crafted from aluminum from the engine of that aircraft, as well as a few pieces of the aircraft itself. Hallowed tokens, indeed.
Congratulations on your book, I’m delighted I caught this link on my FB page. I look forward to reading your story.
Thank you so much for your email Margaret! I really appreciate your interest and support. I’m glad to hear that you have connected with your father’s WW II history and have visited Netherlands. Good luck with your writing!
Please be-friend me on Facebook.
Steve
Amazing… so thoughtful… and creative! Now I know the story.
Not until you read the book…