Fascinating Story Of Wartime Jacobs Well ‘Lilly Bell II’ Aircraft Crash Continues With More Poignant Images

Published on: 15 Jul, 2015
Updated on: 18 Jul, 2015

By Frank Phillipson (with additional notes by David Rose)

The research project and findings into an American aircraft that crashed at Jacobs Well in 1944 during the Second World War is a remarkable story. It continues to reveal fascinating information as well as forging strong Anglo-American friendships.

Last September, American relatives of the pilot of a crashed USAAF transport aircraft ‘Lilly Bell II’ visited the memorial in Jacobs Well to the men who were killed.

The pilot was 1st Lt. Mercer Avent and the C47 aircraft crashed in Jacobs Well on October 25, 1944 killing all four crewmen. (click here for the full story).

Sue Sandidge, the niece of the pilot’s wife, Lillian Avent (nee Bell), and her husband Ed, and two friends, attended a service at the memorial hosted by Worplesdon Parish Council.

Afterwards they were treated to high tea at the Guildhall by Guildford’s then Mayor, David Elms. (Click here for story).

During their visit Sue said that she had Mercer Avent’s Air Medal, letters to his wife, photographs and cuttings, and so on. She has now sent these to Worplesdon Parish Council for safe keeping as part of the history of Worplesdon.

Here are some of the photos and items she has sent with captions added…

Happier times: 1st Lt. Mercer Avent and Lillian Bell’s wedding December 24, 1943, at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On the extreme right edge of the photo the lady holding a baby is Lucile Holland (nee Bell), Lillian’s sister. The baby is Sue Holland later to become Sue Sandidge. The small boy is Floyd A. (Bunny) Bell, Lillian’s brother. Why Bunny? He was born on Easter day. Archive pictures, extract from letters and press cuttings, courtesy of Sue Sandidge.

After they were married on December 24, 1943, Mercer left in mid January 1944 to prepare and fly his aircraft to the UK. Lillian then lived with her parents in their home town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. In 1947 she was diagnosed as having breast cancer. She lived with Sue Sandidge’s parents until her death at the age of 27 in January 1949.

Standing, probably with ‘Lilly bell II’ behind them, from left: 1st Lt. Mercer Avent; unknown Lt, probably the regular co-pilot; Technical Sgt. John Hillmer (flight engineer / crew chief); Staff Sgt. Dale Dellinger (radio operator). The photo was possibly taken in North Africa or Italy given the apparent heat. Note the white hand-painted identification stripe behind and to the right of Dellinger. This means the photo must be post June 6, 1944.

Lt Mercer Avent on the right with Staff Sgt Dale Dellinger. This photo was probably taken near Greenham Common airfield, Berkshire, on October 10, 1944. Note the wooden hut behind them, built from the crates that the Waco gliders were shipped to the UK.

A letter from Mercer to Lillian, written on October 24, 1944, the day before he was killed. It begins: “Dearest Darling Lilly Bell, Well today has been like all the rest, sitting round doing nothing. Flying was called off around four and somebody opened….”

An extract from another letter written on October 22, 1944, includes: “If I’m ever missing don’t worry about me. You’d be surprised at the number of planes that crack up with nobody hurt.”

And: “I love you with all my heart Darling and I miss you, think of you and want you all the time. Your Husband Forever, Mercer.”

Telegram notifying the death of Mercer Avent.

Press cuttings announcing and reporting the presentation of the medal to Mercer Avent’s widow.

Lillian Avent being presented with Mercer’s Air Medal by Col Dudley B. Howard at Seymour Johnson (air) Field, Goldsboro, North Carolina, on November 7, 1945 or 1946.

The two sides of Mercer Avent’s Air medal.

In August 2014, Andrew Davenport, the pilot of the C47 Skytrain 43-15211 that performed the flypast at the unveiling ceremony in October 2010, visited the memorial in Jacobs Well to pay his respects.

Andrew Davenport at the ‘Lilly Bell II’ memorial in Jacobs Well.

He said it was much easier to find from the air!

His employer has now sold 43-15211 and it is now in the USA. At the time of his visit Andrew was training to be a Spitfire air display pilot.

C47 Skytrain 43-15211 at Netheravon. This aircraft took part in the same operations as Lilly Bell II.

David Rose adds: “Of all the many local history projects and research I have been involved in, the story of ‘Lilly Bell II’ and the memorial plaque is the one I am most proud of. Nothing will beat it!

“Frank Phillipson’s tireless research over a number of years has been incredible. The enthusiasm and help by Worplesdon Parish Council, including Cllr Bob McShee and parish clerk Gaynor White, has been fantastic. A service of remembrance is now held at the memorial each year on November 11.

“We have made some great friendships with John Wright (son of the aircraft’s co-pilot when it crashed) and his family and now with Sue and Ed Sandidge.

“When Frank first began to make contact with relatives of the crew of ‘Lilly Bell II’ he had more success with contacting those of Wright, Dellinger and Hillman, than with the pilot Avent.

“It was so fortunate that the Sandidges got in contact last year. And now with the photos, letters and medal Sue has sent, it adds even more to this fascinating story. (Click here for an earlier update on the story).

“Of the illustrated local history talks I regularly give, one is all about ‘Lilly Bell II’. The military and aviation part, the archaeological dig we undertook at the crash site off Clay Lane in Jacobs Well, the memorial plaque, and details of the four young Americans who died, never fails to interest my audiences.

“I have to say, that the part of the talk when I describe the unveiling of the memorial plaque and the flypast of a C47 Skytrain always brings a lump to my throat. That was an amazing morning!

“I give the talk to any group or society who may be interested, and sometimes Frank comes along and adds further details. If anyone would like information of the talk, or further details of the story, please email me at drosedragon@gmail.com ”

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