Westerpark in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura AE780 Crash
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 6, 2026
1. Lockheed Ventura AE780 Crash Marker
On May 3, 1943, an English bomber crashed into these houses. Three crew members and seven civilians lost their lives.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1943.
Location. 52° 22.881′ N, 4° 52.112′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Westerpark. It is on Van Bossestraat south of Van Hogendorpstraat, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Van Bossestraat 32, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1051 KA, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jan Jacob Rochussen
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Crash of a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura I in Amsterdam: 3 killed (Bureau of Aircraft Accident Archives). Excerpt:
The airplane departed RAF Methwold at 1643LT on operation Ramrod 16 consisting to attack an electricity power station located on the northern outskirts of Amsterdam. Over Amsterdam, it was shot down by a German fighter and crashed in the city. Three crew members were killed and the air gunner became PoW.(Submitted on June 6, 2026.)
Crew: F/O Stuart McGowan, pilot, ; F/O Ernest Garfield Thornber, navigator, ; Cyril Richard Smith, wireless operator, ; Sgt Ivan Francis Urlich, air gunner.
2. A fierce air battle (Anne Frank Stichting).
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 6, 2026
2. Lockheed Ventura AE780 Crash Marker - wide view
"I witnessed a terrific air battle between German and British planes", Anne wrote in her diary. She was not the only one who mistook the New Zealanders for British. That misunderstanding made no difference for what happened next.(Submitted on June 6, 2026.)
In the late afternoon, the squadron of the 487th Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force flew in from England. By an unfortunate coincidence, the Luftwaffe was able to attack them as early as the coast, knocking fighters and bombers out of formation. Shot down by German fighters, planes crashed in the Grote IJpolder, the Kometensingel and in the Van Bossestraat, barely a kilometer from the Secret Annexe. Several others exploded in mid-flight and wing sections, exploded and unexploded shells, cockpit turrets and other debris landed in various parts of the city. Outside Amsterdam, planes crashed in Haarlem, Bennebroek, Vijfhuizen and in the North Sea. There were many victims among the New Zealanders, twelve were buried in Amsterdam. Some Amsterdam citizens were also killed.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
