Reigate Hill, Surrey, England

Located 1.4 miles from Reigate town center, on Reigate Hill stands a memorial dedicated to the 2nd Lt. Robert Stanley Griffin crew. On March 19, 1945, the crew were on board B-17G 43‑39035. After successfully dropping their bombs on target, they encountered severe weather and crashed into Reigate Hill, killing all crewmembers. Learn more about the crash and see photos and names of the crewmembers here. 

The crash site memorial features two sculptural wingtips containing molten metal from the wreckage. There is also a seat, plaque, and information board. The clearing in the trees is the exact site of the crash, as the originals were destroyed and never replanted. 

The plaque on the bench reads: "Presented by the Reigate Society in memory of the nine U.S. airmen who died here in 1945."

The information signs features the crew's story, as well as their photograph, and a painting of their B-17. It reads: "Painting courtesy of the Wings Museum. Photograph kindly reproduced courtesy of Fred Preller and the 384th Bomb Group Historical Society. More information available on the Reigate Hill website."

Further details about the memorial and location, as well as photos of the bench and sign can be found on American War Memorials Overseas, Inc.⇗