Which band leader died in an air crash over the English Channel during World War 2?

Answer 1

The bandleader you refer to is Alton Glenn Miller, (known primarily as Glenn Miller), who was the most popular Big Band leader of the era. His many hits, including "In the Mood", "String of Pearls", "Little Brown Jug", Moonlight Serenade (the band's first major hit and their signature tune), "Pennsylvania 6-5000" (the phone number of an old apartment he and his wife lived in before fame and fortune), "Tuxedo Junction", and of course "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" are popular even today.

Miller was an Army Major during WWII, and convinced a General to let him bring his band together (most were already enlisted in the Army anyway) and tour the bases overseas in the war zones to boost morale. The General agreed, and Miller soon began hosting many shows for G.I.'s in England and other countries.

On December 15, 1944, Miller left England aboard a U.S. Army Air Force UC-64 Norseman to fly to Paris. He left ahead of his band in order to perform advance logistics work for a Christmas show they were doing for the Allied forces in Paris, which had recently liberated the city.

His plane never arrived in Paris.

Miller's plane went missing, presumably over the English Channel, and no wreckage or bodies were ever found on land or sea. To this day, he is still listed as Missing in Action, presumed dead.

There has been much speculation, rumor and theory (conspiracy and otherwise) over the years as to exactly what happened to Miller's plane. Theories abound as to whether his plane went down as a result of friendly fire (accidental AA or a victim of Allied planes dropping bombs over the Channel prior to landing in England), weather (it was dark and foggy), or simple mechanical failure. Like the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, it has remained one of the world's most enduring mysteries.

Answer 2

Glenn Miller. Miller had been commissioned as a major in the army and was touring to raise morale among the troops. His plane disappeared December 15, 1944, and his body has never been found.