The Case:
As Glenn Miller’s musical career soared, he traded in his commercial success for a military uniform to entertain US troops during World War II. Then, on a foggy afternoon, December 15, 1944, he took off from England heading for France. His plane vanished over the English Channel. Glenn Miller was never seen again.
Since that fateful day, Glenn Miller’s disappearance has remained a mystery. Did friendly fire destroy the plane? Was Miller involved in espionage? Was he on a secret mission to end the war?
Recent discoveries—including an intriguing entry in an aircraft spotter’s log—give the History Detectives fresh leads and new clues to explore. Along the way, they learn of the unusual role Glenn Miller and his music played in winning hearts and minds during World War II. Can they find out what happened to this beloved bandleader once and for all?
Season 11, Episode 2
Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Detective:
Kaiama Glover
Location:RAF Twinwood Farm
More Information
The Glenn Miller Archive
College of Music
University of Colorado Boulder
Related Content
Video:
Video:
Investigation:
Investigation:
Technique:
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Ernie Pyle's Typewriter
Did America’s most beloved battlefront correspondent bang out his dispatches on this Corona 3?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Slave Banjo
Is this the only surviving banjo carried by former slaves following Emancipation?
-
Related Investigation
Szyk Picture
Could these be early drawings of America's most influential political cartoonist?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Anti-Slavery Flag
Did this old sheet found in a family trunk contribute to the end of slavery in America?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
WPA Mural Studies
Are these unusual paintings part of the biggest job creation program in America's history?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Lafitte's Spyglass
Did this spyglass really belong to a fearless cutthroat pirate?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.