Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 05:44:17 :
Novato Advance
January 1937
Returning with the air squadron Monday night from maneuvers in the San Joaquin Valley, the Martin bomber in which 2nd Lt. Herbert E. Knieriem was pilot and Pfc. Hartley Roberts was radio operator disappeared when about to land at Hamilton Field. It was observed that the plane turned upward and disappeared in the darkness. The lights on the landing field were kept burning until 1:30 o’clock Tuesday morning, but no word was heard from the missing men. A freak storm and low ceiling are believed to be responsible for the failure of the bomber to land at Hamilton Field as it intended. The next day planes scouted in an effort to locate the lost ship, and finally it was discovered in the mud flats at the mouth of Petaluma creek. The plane must have landed at a great speed as it sank deep nose first. After difficulty the machine was searched on Wednesday, when it was found that the plane was demolished, the engines being at least 50 feet away, but no trace of the lost men was found. Lt. Knieviem married Miss Eleanor Burke, of San Rafael, last April. Pfc. Roberts is survived by his wife and two small children, Shelia and William. This family has resided in Novato for the last two years. The untimely death of a splendid young man of 30 years cast a gloom over the community, and the deepest sympathy is extended the bereaved family.
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