Understand
Moorland search underway for missing WW2 airman Cpl Clarence Watson
Overview
Excavations are taking place on Twizle Head Moor above Holmfirth to locate the remains of Cpl Clarence Watson, an American airman who died when a B24H bomber crashed on 9 October 1944. Funded by the US government and conducted by UK-based forensic archaeologists Geoscope alongside local volunteers, the five-week dig has recovered material to be analysed in the United States, with the crash site intended to serve as a permanent war grave.
Key points
- A B24H bomber crashed on Twizle Head Moor on 9 October 1944, killing nine USAF personnel while leaving one survivor.
- While eight crew members were recovered at the time, the remains of 22-year-old Cpl Clarence Watson from California were never found.
- The US-funded excavation is being carried out by forensic archaeologists Geoscope and local volunteers.
- Recovered material will be sent to the United States for laboratory analysis.
- The site will be established as a war grave to honour the airman.