Finding Heroes Podcast: A New Series on the Ancestry YouTube Channel

 

Summary

In the first episode of the "Finding Heroes" podcast, hosts Wayne Abbott and Professor David O'Keefe delve into the mysterious disappearance of the Martin Mariner search and rescue plane, which vanished on the same night as the infamous Flight 19 in December 1945. The podcast, which you can enjoy on the Ancestry YouTube Channel and wherever you listen to your podcasts, aims to connect lost military artefacts and personnel with their living relatives, offering a deeper exploration into these historical mysteries. This episode focuses on the 13 crew members of the Martin Mariner, whose stories have largely been overshadowed by the Bermuda Triangle myth surrounding Flight 19.

The hosts discuss the historical context of the Martin Mariner's mission, which was to search for the missing planes of Flight 19. Despite the intrigue surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, Abbott and O'Keefe emphasise the human element of the tragedy, highlighting the 27 men who lost their lives that night. They explore the process of historical investigation, utilising Ancestry's family history records to piece together the lives of the Martin Mariner's crew. This research reveals the diverse backgrounds and young ages of the crew members, with some as young as 18, underscoring the personal impact of the disaster.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share poignant interviews with the descendants of the Martin Mariner crew, including Walter Jeffrey Jr. and Robert Jeffrey, sons of the plane's pilot, and Helen, daughter of crew member Wiley Cargill. These interviews provide intimate insights into the families' experiences and the enduring hope that their loved ones might one day return. The podcast also uncovers a touching letter from the family of Flight 19's lead pilot, Lt. Charles Taylor, expressing gratitude and shared grief with the families of the Martin Mariner crew.

The episode concludes with a virtual meeting of the crew members' descendants, marking the first time these families have connected to share their stories and memories. This gathering highlights the podcast's mission to honour and remember the forgotten heroes of history, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.

Podcast Links

New episodes of the "Finding Heroes" podcast will premiere each Monday in November. Don't forget to subscribe to the Ancestry YouTube Channel to stay up to date on even more incredible family history stories.

• Spotify
• Apple
• iHeart
• Amazon
• Pandora