The Disappearance of Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller was a talented American bandleader and musician in the early half of the 20th century who was on a flight that disappeared over the English Channel on December 15, 1944. Since that time, the event has been shrouded in mystery and plagued with conspiracy theories. Much like the Amelia Earhart disappearance, the events leading to Glenn Miller's disappearance point to one logical conclusion, but the lack of physical evidence makes it impossible to say for sure how the 40-year-old star spent his last moments.

Glenn Miller was talented, but virtually unknown before 1938, when he formed the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The Glenn Miller Orchestra's popularity took off rather quickly. In just four years, the orchestra has put out more than 70 hit records (take that, Elvis). At the peak of his success, Glenn Miller was earning roughly $20,000 a week. That is half a year's income for many Americans about 70 years later.

In December of 1941, the United States was attacked and subsequently entered World War II. Despite his success and the comforts he could enjoy by remaining stateside, Glenn Miller joined the Army Air Corps. He was quickly promoted to the rank of captain and allowed to establish a military band. He did so and it was known as the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. This new band, performing for the morale of Allied troops, became popular in its own right. The band performed more than 800 times. It continued to perform even after Glenn Miller's disappearance. In August 1945, the band returned home and ceased performances.

On December 14, 1944, Glenn Miller was in Northampton planning a trip to Paris, France. He was going to set up a gig for his band at the Olympia music hall there. He happened to run into a Lieutenant Colonel who was leaving for Paris the next day. His name was Norman Baessel. Baessel offered Glenn Miller a seat on his flight. Glenn accepted.

The following day, the weather was cold and foggy. Glenn's Miller's manager, Don Haynes (who was with him in England) called Lt. Col. Baessel to confirm that the flight was still leaving that day. He was told that the flight had not been canceled. Miller and Haynes arrived at the Twinwood Farm airfield to find that the weather had not gotten any better. The pilot-John Morgan-and the plane were missing as well. Shortly thereafter, the pilot and the plane (a single-engine Noorduyn C-64) landed safely, despite the fog.

Don Haynes accompanied Glenn Miller to the plane. Once in the plane, Miller reportedly asked where the parachutes were. Norman's sarcastic or joking reply was, "What's the matter with you, Miller? Do you want to live forever?" The plane took off with Don Haynes looking on. That was the last that was ever seen of the four men on board or the airplane that carried them. Investigators concluded that weather or engine problems caused the plane to crash over the English Channel.

Sources

About Glenn, retrieved 10/4/10, glennmiller.com/about/bio.htm

The Mysterious Disappearance of Glenn Miller, retrieved 10/4/10, bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2654822