Dover Sunday program features the story of WWII New London native Glen DeSpain

At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, Dover Museum, New London, Mike DeSpain will share his memories of his grandfathers’ experiences during World War II. His grandfather, Glen P. DeSpain, was a crew member on a B 24 Liberator Bomber. ‘Rhode Island Red” was based out of Torretta Field, Italy. Glen flew 24 combat missions as a waist gunner and radio operator. The plane bombed Nazi targets in Europe. Glen’s aircraft was damaged while bombing Concordia Vega Oil Refinery near Polesti, Romania. On 31 May 1944 flak damaged the plane. It was unable to maintain altitude and airspeed. It left formation and attempted to return to base. The plane was damaged again over Yugoslavia and the crew bailed out. Glen was captured by German forces and became a POW. He was liberated on 10 May 1945.

A model of the aircraft was constructed by Paul Drinkall and is on display in Dover Museum’s military display. The model is not large enough to recreate the Nose Art displayed on the bomber. A Rhode Island Red is a vigorous, curious chicken. They can be a bit pushy and loud. Many farms preferred breed for meat, eggs, and alarm clocks. One surviving picture of the nose art showed the chicken alone unaccompanied by a pinup (attractive young lady). One research article mentioned that the planes that flew over Europe had much less nudity that those that flew in the Pacific.

Many young New London men served with distinction in WWII. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about one of them. Typically, these men did not begin to share their stories until many years after the war. Mike has done a marvelous job preserving his grandfather’s stories and observations for local and national history.

The program is free. There will be time for questions and conversation after the presentation. Refreshments will be available