This memorial is a stainless steel obelisk on a concrete slab placed approximately 400 meters from the crash site of USN Ventura PV-1 28736 on a grassy area near the Pacific Ocean. It is dedicated to the crew of USN Ventura 28736, and was unveiled on September 15, 2006 by 101 Squadron RCAFA.
Winter Harbour, British Columbia
Type
Other
Inscription
U.S. NAVY VENTURA PV-128736
CRASHED 26TH DECEMBER, 1943
LT Joseph Robert Cranny – Grinelle, Iowa, pilot
ENS Charles H. Schoenfelder – Wathena, Kansas, copilot
AOM3c Joseph H. Anderson – Ogden, Utah, ordnanceman
ARM3c Robert Louis Maguet – Postsmouth, Ohio, radio operator
AOM3c Joseph I Winslow Jr. – Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, ordnanceman
AMM2c Ernest L. Morgan – Rockville, Virginia, aviation mechanic
While on a routine patrol from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island the aircraft
encountered deteriorating weather and attempted to land on a deceptively smooth expanse of Lawn Point. Some of the crew survived the ensuing crash and for nearly six months awaited a rescue that never came. The Ventura was finally discovered on June 16th, 1944 by an RCAF patrol aircraft out of Coal Harbour. Five of the crewmen’s remains were recovered from the site but Joseph Anderson was never found.
Location
USN Ventura PV-1 28736 Memorial
Winter Harbour
British Columbia
USN Ventura PV-1 28736 Memorial
Winter Harbour
British Columbia
GPS Coordinates
Lat. 50.3272044
Long. -127.9718892
Lat. 50.3272044
Long. -127.9718892
Site of the crash. Pilot tried to land at seaward end then tried to take off but hit trees at the end of the point
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Over 50 people attended the dedication. Majority were flown in by helicopter
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101 Padre Rob Hutchinson delivering the blessing
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Lt Gov Campagnola dedicating the memorial
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Part of the Ventura wing
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Part of the 101 Contingent.
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