Comments on: 26 October 1944 https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/ Important Dates in Aviation History Sat, 26 Oct 2024 16:32:14 +0000 hourly 1 By: Bunndini https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-51188 Sat, 26 Oct 2024 16:32:14 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-51188 This pretty much tells the tale:
“She revved the engine, released the brake, and rolled down runway 25R at Mines Field, later to be called Los Angeles International Airport. She lifted off and disappeared into the afternoon fog bank that lurked offshore, over Santa Monica Bay.
She was never seen again. She is the last missing WASP.”

http://www.themosttraveled.com/Tompkins.html#:~:text=She%20revved%20the%20engine%2C%20released,is%20the%20last%20missing%20WASP.

]]> By: Chris Nicosia https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-25925 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:36:35 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-25925 Just wanted to add that there is a memorial to Gertrude with a a very nice plaque dedicated Veterans Day, 2008. Alfhough I’m not sure where, but I’m pleased that her memory and service to this great country is honored.

You can view it here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7986762/gertrude-vreeland-silver

]]> By: Matthew https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-25922 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:01:38 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-25922 Or just flew away and made a clean escape. It’s not that far to the southern border. Although I’m sure some scent of her or the plane might have turned up by now.

]]> By: Scott Steele https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-24806 Sun, 01 Nov 2020 23:36:16 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-24806 The fact that Gertrude was never found sticks with a lot of people. A few years ago, an extensive bottom search of the entire Santa Monica Bay turned up a few unknown wrecks, but no Gertrude. She could have made a wider departure turn and is outside the bay. Or possibly got off-course between Los Angeles and Palm Springs and crashed in the mountains somewhere. Maybe someday we’ll know for sure…I hope so.

]]> By: EDWARD BEUTHIEN https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-22243 Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:28:37 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-22243 IN A MUSEUM NEAR DETROIT, AN UNBEATEN AND RETIRED UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE IS ON DISPLAY. SHE IS “MISS SUPERTEST” A CANADIAN CRAFT POWERED BY A “ROLLS-ROYCE “MERLIN” AIRCRAFT ENGINE! THE SAME ENGINE USED IN THE “MUSTANGS” AND “SPITFIRES”. SHE ROARED AND WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE ON THE DETROIT AND SAINT CLAIR RIVERS!

]]> By: Gregg https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/26-october-1944/#comment-20794 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:50:05 +0000 http://www.thisdayinaviation.com/?p=40572#comment-20794 Fascinating , Love this Aircraft !! The sleek lines , Sounds of the ” Merlin ” , everything about the Mustang !! Someday ???

]]>