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WWII Paratroopers Honored After Tragic Landmine Accident
29 Aug
Summary
- Three US paratroopers died in a 1944 landmine explosion at RAF Fulbeck.
- The soldiers were combat veterans of the Normandy campaign.
- A memorial was recently unveiled to honor the fallen servicemen.
A memorial ceremony was held at the former RAF Fulbeck airbase in Lincolnshire to honor three US paratroopers who perished in a devastating accident during World War Two. Staff Sgt Robert Shearer, PFC William Mitchell, and Pte Louis Spera died in September 1944 when 10 landmines being transported on a truck exploded. The incident occurred as their battalion was preparing for a combat jump into Belgium that was subsequently cancelled.
Historian Adam Berry, involved with the Mission82 project, highlighted that all three servicemen were combat veterans of the Normandy campaign. He emphasized their right to be remembered, alongside others in their division who served in England and made the ultimate sacrifice. The families of the fallen soldiers were present for the unveiling, with Pte Spera's nephew describing the event as "amazing" and expressing honor in representing the family.
