Ep 2. Special Investigations: The Disappearance of Glenn Miller

In the second episode of History Detectives' eleventh season, the team delves into the mystery behind the disappearance of big-band leader Glenn Miller during World War II. Miller's tragic disappearance has been shrouded in mystery and speculation for over 75 years, with many different theories about what happened to him and why.

The episode follows the investigation as the detectives attempt to piece together the events leading up to Miller's fateful flight on December 15, 1944. Miller was traveling to France to entertain troops during the war when his single-engine plane disappeared over the English Channel. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of the plane or its passengers were ever found, leaving Miller's family and fans in a state of anguish and confusion.

The detectives start their investigation by examining Miller's personal and professional life. They visit the Glenn Miller Archive at the University of Colorado to learn more about his music and career, and speak with experts and historians who have studied his life and legacy. They also delve into Miller's service in the military, where he was assigned to lead the Army Air Forces band and boost morale among the troops.

As they gather more information, the detectives begin to explore some of the theories that have emerged over the years about Miller's disappearance. Was his plane downed by enemy fire, or was it caught in bad weather and crashed into the sea? Did he have a secret mission to rendezvous with spies or deliver sensitive information? Or could his disappearance have been the result of foul play or sabotage?

To aid in their investigation, the team enlists the help of aviation experts, military historians, and other specialists who can provide insights into the technical and operational aspects of Miller's flight. They analyze weather reports, flight plans, and other documents to try to recreate the flight path and determine what may have gone wrong.

Ultimately, the detectives find themselves wrestling with a range of conflicting information and unanswered questions, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about what happened to Glenn Miller. But through interviews with Miller's family members, bandmates, and fans, they gain a deeper appreciation for his lasting impact on American music and culture, and the enduring mystery of his disappearance.