OUTSTANDING CADET
Born on December 27th, 1920, George Crooks Maitland was the youngest of
four children, and the only boy. His ancestors had originated from Great
Britain, from Scotland on his father's side and on his mothers, from the English
scientist, Sir William Crooks. His father, a self made man in the lumber trade,
was also involved in local politics, becoming Vice-mayor of their home town;
Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
After graduating high school, George attended Lafeyette College,
studying mechanical engineering. In May 1942, he left college to join the Air
Force. During his training he excelled at sport, just as he had done in high
school and in college, particularly in football and basketball. Graduation saw
him receive not only his wings, but the physical fitness trophy and highest
gunnery award; making him the Outstanding Cadet in a class of 200.
Posted to Europe he joined, in January 1944, the 78th Fighter Group at Duxford. From here they flew bomber escort missions and fighter sweeps over enemy occupied territory.
Returning from his fifth mission
on 8th March that year,
his aircraft was seen to dive out of low cloud and, unable to pull out in time,
crash into the ground. The impact came at Watering Farm, Barking nr Needham
Market. The exact cause was not established but was probably caused by vertigo
and a lack of instrument time. A common failing among the young American pilots
trained in the clear skies of the US mid-west, and then subjected to the clouds
of a European winter. His body was recovered and buried with full honours at the
American Military Cemetery, Madingley nr Cambridge.
In August 1988 the remaining wreckage of his Thunderbolt, the engine, propeller and forward airframe, was excavated by the East Anglian Aircraft Research Group.
Above; A section of the fuselage skinning with the remains of 'nose-art' on it
Below;
The same nose-art on 'Percy' being admired by another pilot.
Shortly afterwards the Suffolk meadow where the aircraft wreckage had lain buried for forty-four years was developed as part of an industrial estate. As result the road through it has been named Maitland Road in his honour.
© copyright Jeff Carless