B25 Bomber And Remains Of Five US WWII Soldiers Found In Sicily

An American B-25 bomber that was shot down during World War II has been found in Sicily along with the remains of five airmen.

The search started in 2017, but now, after a six-week dig involving 30 US soldiers under the supervision of archaeologist Clive Vella, the team has unearthed the remains in the locality of Piana Grande in the Sicilian province of Agrigento.

The wreck and remains of five servicemen were found nestled in a valley between the towns of Sciacca and Menfi.

The bomber was heading from Tunisia to the Sciacca military airbase, now a so-called ‘ghost airport’, in Sicily when it was shot down by German anti-aircraft guns on 10th July 1943.

The findings were sent to Omaha in the US state of Nebraska to undergo DNA analysis and to inform any living relatives of the discovery.

Archaeologist Clive Vella said: “After a historical study of the report written at the time, we were aware that the point where the plane crashed was about 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Sciacca. Then in 2017, we went there for the first time to inspect the area, and with a metal detector we realised there were metal parts that, presumably, belonged to the plane we were looking for.

“Three family members of the five missing soldiers have already been informed of our search and will collaborate with us.”

Vella explained that the identities of the five airmen, known to the US military, will not be disclosed yet for security reasons. He hopes to reveal more information when analysis of the bone fragments has been completed.


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Story By: Marija Stojkoska, Sub-Editor: William McGee,  Agency:  Newsflash

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