The top secret site of an American fighter plane which crash landed on an undisclosed beach during the Second World War has been awarded protected status.
The rare aircraft, which dropped from the skies over North Wales in 1942, is believed to be buried under the sands on the coast near Harlech in Gwynedd.
The exact location of the doomed Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft - also known as the Maid of Harlech - has remained strictly confidential for over 70 years, in a bid to protect the plane.
Now Welsh heritage society Cadw has successfully scheduled the hidden site, making it the first legally designated and protected military aircraft crash site in the UK.
Just a handful of people know the resting place of the plane - widely presumed to be USAAF serial number 41-7677 - the only of its type to be lost over Wales.
Buried under around two metres of sand, nature has uncovered the plane just three times since it crash landed, first in the 1970s, once in 2007 and again in 2014.
Known as one of the most significant WWII-related archaeological discoveries in recent history, the guns on the wreckage have been removed, but it still maintains its fuel load on board.
The remains are of incredible significance for both its historical and archaeological interest in the UK and beyond.
It's one of only twenty-eight airframes known to survive from the 10,038 built, the oldest surviving USAAF 8th Air Force combat aircraft of any type in the UK and the sole surviving ‘F’ model to have seen operational service in Europe during the Second world war.
The Pilot at the time of the incident was Second Lt. Robert F. Elliott, 24, of Rich Square, North Carolina, who flew from Llanbedr airfield in Snowdonia on a gunnery practice mission and encountered difficulties.
He climbed to 6,000ft but less than an hour into his journey, the left engine lost power and landed in two feet of water.
The pilot walked away safely from the incident, but he was reported missing in action just a few months later.
At the time of the incident, few local people were aware of it because beaches in the United Kingdom were closed to the public during World War II and the press was not allowed to print stories about Allied wrecks.
Nephew of the pilot, Robert Elliott today lives in Kingsport, Tennessee and is a retired US Navy and a member of the 49th Fighter Squadron Association. He visited the site of the plane in 2016.
He said: “I am honoured and delighted that Cadw has given official recognition of my uncle's P38F as a scheduled Ancient Monument. My uncle was among those brave and expert fighter pilots who served with distinction during WWII. My visit to the site with my wife Cathy in 2016 was very moving and emotional.
“The 49th Fighter Squadron, to which this aircraft was assigned, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1941 and is still active today as the 49th Fighter Training Squadron. I look forward to returning to Wales and offer my support of this historic designation.”
Deputy Welsh Minister for culture, sport and tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “This site is of international significance and I’m delighted that this designation underlines its special qualities as well as protecting it for the benefit of future generations.
"Sites such as this represent events which must not be forgotten, Wales will always remember and respect all those who contributed to securing the peace we are so fortunate to enjoy today.”
“As we have seen following Remembrance events over the weekend, sites such as this represent events which must not be forgotten, Wales will always remember and respect all those who contributed to securing the peace we are so fortunate to enjoy today.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
