Higbee katrinka crew after 37 missions dad 3rd from right.jpg

George Higbee (third from right) was assigned to a B-26B Marauder bomber crew. The crew nicknamed their plane  “Powerful Katrinka.”

BERLIN — Several years ago on Veterans’ Day, Peter Higbee realized he knew virtually nothing about his father’s service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

George Joseph Higbee, a Boston firefighter, had died young, when Peter was only 7. Higbee said he wondered what it was like for his father, a boy of 24, to go off to war.

Peter Higbee 2017.jpg

Berlin City Councilor Peter Higbee traveled to Matching, England to visit the airfield where his father was stationed traced the World War II. A Boston firefighter, George Higbee died when his son was seven.

Higbee Dad after the war.jpg

George Joseph Higbee back home after World War II. George Joseph Higbee, a Boston firefighter, had died young, when Peter was only 7. Higbee said he wondered what it was like for his father, a boy of 24, to go off to war.

Higbee Powerful katrinka in flight.jpg

Powerful Katrinka in flight.

Higbee Powerful Katrinka crew after 50+ missions - dad 3rd from left.jpg

The Powerful Katrinka crew after more than 50 missions. George Higbee is third from left.

Higbee memorial near field.jpg

The monument to 391st Bombardment Group stationed at Matching Airfield.

Higbee matching control tower.jpg

Researching his father's World War II service, Peter Higbee received a tour of the old control tower which is now used occasionally for radar testing. As one of a series of coincidences, the tower happened to be in use the day he visited.

Higbee pictures in side room of pub.jpg

While checking out a small piece of the airfield that remains, a local farmer suggested Higbee enjoy a pint and check out some old pictures at a nearby pub. On the walls at The Chequers in Matching Green Pub in England, Peter Higbee immediately discovered a picture of his father and crew.

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.