Belton, Cecil Kenneth - Pilot of B-17 Flying Fortress
I was working for Western Electric Company when I enlisted in the Army Air Corps in Peoria, Illinois in August, 1942 at the age of 20. I received two years of training in Texas, Colorado, and California. I graduated as a twin engine 2nd Lt. pilot in the class of 1944-E at Stockton, California. After further training in New Mexico and Dyersburg, Tennessee our crew was sent to England as a replacement crew in the 452nd Bomber Group, 8th Air Force, at Deopham Green, England.
Our first mission was to bomb Frankfort, Germany’s submarine pens. We lost several planes on this mission and we had 47 holes in our plane including the loss of the right wing flap and a 3 foot hole in our tail assembly. On our 5th mission over Rheine, Germany we lost our # 2 engine, had a fire in the oxygen tank, had a bomb hung up in our bomb bay, and a leak in our hydraulic system. Moments later our plane exploded and I was blown out of the plane and was the only survivor.
I was fortunate to be rescued by the Dutch underground in North Holland. They brought me back to health and I spent the next three months hiding, evading and fighting the Germans who occupied Holland. After many narrow escapes and encounters with the Germans, mostly due to being dressed as a civilian and wearing a doofstam badge, doofstam means deaf and dumb, and due to some very brave men in the Dutch underground, we finally made it to South Holland.
In South Holland we met a Dutch guide, 3 English soldiers, and 2 Dutch women. We tried to connect with an escape launch. Having no luck, and after having a harrowing night, we decided to go inland close to Antwerp, where we were confronted by French Canadians. After several days, I made it to Brussels and on to Paris. I arrived back in the States in May 1945.
A memorial of our crew has been built in Midwoud, Holland where our plane went down. There is also a museum in Midwoud which houses over 500 parts of our downed plane. It was called “The Lucky Lady”. After the war I married my wife, Virginia. We have been married 61 years and have two great daughters and five grandchildren. We have been fortunate to have visited Holland several times and have continued our friendship with many of the people who were with the Dutch underground.
Ken Belton has served on the WWII Illinois Veterans Committee, on the executive board, director and assistant treasurer. He states that he feels blessed to be able to see the Illinois WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial to its completion.
Ken Belton, Springfield Illinois
April 26th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
The following story was shared by Sylvia Steketee of the Netherlands on our guestbook:
“I’ve just read your page about Illinois veterans during World War II.
I’m not a veteran, but one of the stories on your site - namely about Mr. Cecil Kenneth Belton made the hair on the back of my neck stand out.
Let me tell you why.
My parents lived in the small village of Midwoud during world war II.
On the 20th of January 1945, during a snowstorm, they heard the sound of a plane coming over. Now, for people in occupied Holland this was nothing new, as American and English planes were flying over from England to bomb targets in Germany every day and night, but during the five years of German occupation they got to know the sound of those planes and also if they were in trouble or not just by the sound of the engines.
On that day a plane broke through the clouds and it sounded like it was in trouble. It barely missed the farm where my parents were living at the time. My mom, who was seven months pregnant with my eldest brother, rushed out to see what was going on and saw a plane crash into a field opposite of the farm. My dad, making sure my mom went back into the house as he didn’t want her to be upset in her condition, rushed to the crash site along with some of the neighbors. For as long as I can remember, our parents have always told us about the American B17 that crashed just opposite their home and about the brave airmen that lost their lives. They also told us that one of them was blown out of the plane and was attendant to by our local doctor and was helped by the underground in order to get him to safety. On the 4th may - in Holland the day when we remember al those who lost their lives during WWII - we always went to the memorial - a propeller of the B17 - and placed a bouquet of field flowers to honor the young men that fought to free us from the Germans and gave their lives so that we may live in freedom now.
Lately I’ve searched the internet to find more information about that B17 that crashed in Midwoud, it’s crew, where it’s base was in England, which bombergroup it belonged to in the USAAF etc. It does me the world of good to read that Mr. Belton made it back States side safely, married his wife Virginia and had a family. I don’t know if he is alive today, but if he is would you please send him my warmest regards and tell him my story on behalf of my parents?
Will you please tell the veterans that somewhere in the north of Holland during WWII there once was a young girl that looked up at the sky and saw all those vapor trails and prayed: please God, let them come home safely… Will you please tell them that we are still thankful and that we still commemorate all those that fought and died.
From me to the veterans: thank you all so very, very much for the help you gave to my country! Thanks to you I had the opportunity to grow up in freedom! And know that many people looked up at the sky and saw you guys go on a mission into Germany and prayed for you! Every vapor trail, every bit of info on their wireless was a world of hope to them…
Sincerely yours,
Sylvia Steketee.”
May 1st, 2007 at 10:13 am
my uncle arthur james maton was shot down on 17th january 1945 and his plane crashed near twisk and some parts are held i belive in the same museum.
any information would be useful
July 17th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
My cousin Warren Faux Neilsen was on board as a tail gunner on this aircraft. I would like any information that you may have on this.
His sister is still alive and living in California. Both is Father and Mother or buried in Beaver, Ut were he was born and raised. Thank you for any information.
September 1st, 2007 at 10:26 am
I am using all of the information that I can find around WWII, as I am working on a book that deals with WWII and a fighter pilot being shot down over France and hid in a monastery. We are so very grateful for all of the brave souls who fought in the war, the British, French, Dutch, Americans, all those who were fighting for justice and peace among all people. God bless to you all.
November 30th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
My uncle, Tommy Rogan from Staten Island, NY, died aboard this plane. He left his mom and dad, 3 sisters and 3 brothers. My dad was his brother.The Rogans never got over this loss. They never spoke of him, but you could tell how much they missed him. (My Uncle Patty would talk about him when he was very drunk.) We would ask questions, but it hurt too much for them to talk about losing him.(My dad died when I was little, before I could aske him questions.) When my Aunt Anne died in 1989, my sister Annie was helping my Aunt Rita go through her things. She found letters to Anne from my Uncle Tommy. We cried when we read them, because finally, he was REAL to us! Here were letters in his own handwriting, with his own words! We also found a letter from a buddy of his to my grandma, and this helped us learn more about who he was. We Rogans are either “whistlers” or “hummers” (can’t whistle a tune). His buddy said, “Tommy was always humming”..My Uncle Jimmy died this summer, and Aunt Rita is now the only one left. She has Alzheimer’s, and the only siblings she remembers are Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Tommy. but she does not remember enough to tell us anything about him. We always wondered what happened when he died, what mission he was flying, etc. From the Rogan family, I thank you for putting this information out there. I will print it and send it to my sisters and cousins. I’m glad you made it, to tell us all what happened. Thank you (ps I’m trying not to cry as I write this). Sincerely, Rita Rogan Varneke
February 5th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
One of my neighbors who is from Holland recently made available a memoir that includes his survival during World War II. You may find it interesting.
Fifty Years of My Life (1939 - 1990)
A Memoir by Jeff R. Noordermeer
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/etc/jeff/Jeff-Noordermeer.html
February 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
If anyone have questions about the plane whitch cracht in the village Midwoud in the Netherlands.please contact Mr.Jos de Groot who’s Dad has a museum in Midwoud.
In this museum there are a lot of parts from the plane.
please email to: degroot18@hetnet.nl
March 8th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Dear Mr. Clinton L Neilson.
Thank you for your reply.
I guess you’ve read my story as added by Mrs. Anne Powers.
I do know that my dad told me that at least one of the crew - maybe two - tried to bail out with his parachute and got caught underneath the tail of the plane.
I don’t know if this was your cousin Warren Faux Neilson.
One thing’s for sure: your cousin and his mates who died along with him were not forgotten!
As long as I can remember at the 4th of May, we’d always place flowers at the monument - one of the props of the B17 - in remembrance of the young men who gave their lifes for our freedom.
If it weren’t for all those brave young men and women…
Hope you can pass this on to Warren’s sister:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know that your brother is loved and remembered as a true heroe.
love, Sylvia
July 1st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I have read these letters and other information and am wondering if anyone can remember my father, Carl K. Strong, who served in the Army Air Corp. He seldom spoke of the war, but I do know his plane crashed in Holland and he was helped by the local people. He was born in Peoria IL and lived his entire life in Lacon, IL. I would very much appreciate any information. Thank you.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Dear Terry,
Maybe I can help. Please sent me your fathers rank, Squadron and all info you have about the crash. My hobby is WW2 aircrash inverstigtions.
I also live in Midwoud and know mr. Belton and Mrs.Maryann Salamone de Luca (Sister of Sonny Salamone) I was at Margraten cemetary last year and put flowers at the headstones of the crew members of the Lucky Lady. Our local school has adopted the monument in Midwoud and we have a yearly memorial service and making sure that the falen man of the Lucky Lady will never be forgotten.
Yous cincerly,
Henk Coehoorn
November 6th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Hello all,
Have just entered the data about the crash of the B-17 44-6601 “Lucky Lady” in my Internet database. Just have a look at my “WW-II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands” website at http://ww2.texlaweb.nl/
The data is not available via the website itself but via the site you may download a free software programme to search for information in my database. Currently (6 Nov. 2008), there are 431 aircraft listed and 2599 crew members…
Jan
November 11th, 2008 at 4:04 am
A greatwebsite. I run one on RAF Greenham Common, a former USAAF and USAF base in the UK; www.greenham.greatnow.com
October 6th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
i was just reading a book written by a friend of mine. The story was about 7 pilot from US, cana and England who was saved by ducth underground. They stay in a farm house owned by a dutch family who’s now migrated to cananda. I was searching for more history about the family and dutch undergroup and trying to find some old picture of the exact location it happened and found this blog. your story and the story of the other pilot in the book i read was so interesting.
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
My grandfather was in the Dutch Underground in Northeast Holland. He was a covert radio operator. In or around Deflzijl. His name was Jacob Visser. If you have information about him or knew him please let me know.
Thanks
TB
March 17th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
My father’s first cousin who was like a brother, was Tobs Biallosterski (aka code name Hans) he harbored you in his flat and helped you escape. Tobs Bialosterski was head of the underground (resistance group) that helped you escape. My father who died in 1991 was in the RAF Dutch Squadron #322.
I would appreciate your contacting me as i am trying to put together a family history so our children will never forget. I obtained your information from a book written in Dutch about Tobs and finally translated your chapter as to when he kept you in his flat. Here is the excerpt from the USAF following your return: “In a letter dated September 18, 1945 at the BBO in Utrecht by the USAF they asked the following questions:
‘Information is requested about the following persons residing in Amsterdam in January ‘45: Josephine, 26, brown hair, 5ft 7, dropped by plane resulting in a broken leg, was still in cast, member of Hans (Tobs) organisation. Sending and decoding messages at HQ
Hans (TOBS), 25, dark, 6 ft slim, dressed often as a doctor with black hat, RAF black boots, dark suit and stethoscope. Had been trained in England. Head of underground group.
Carl, 28, blond, high forehead, sabotage chief.
Geraldo, 21, brown hair, short, glasses, probably a girl.
Lolo, 21, dark, heavy, Russian.
Yat (Jet) 24, blond, 5ft 10 medium built.
All those people sheltered an American airman for several weeks and their services should be appreciated by this office.”
(Josephine = Frankie, Hans = Tobs, Carl = Carels, Geraldo = Gerda, Lolo = Laloe en Yat = Yard.)
Many thanks in advance,
SBS