As many of you know, I was away last week. This is the reason for some of it:
On 29th February 2004, 60 years after F/O Mike Shelton, a pilot with 609 (West Riding) Squadron was shot down and killed at Paillencourt, near Cambrai in northern France, a memorial was unveiled to his lasting memory by M. Joss Leclerq.
The memorial servide was attended by around 150 people, including Georges Jaspis (who was flying on that Operation – Ramrod 603) and Albert Laforce (who flew the last wartime operation of 609, with his life-long friend Jan Mathys, who sadly passed away last autumn). Georges and Albert unveiled the plaque, before the sounding of the Last Post and the lowering of standards.
Georges Jaspis and Albert Laforce at the head of the procession.
By: Merlin3945 - 3rd March 2004 at 22:50
Touching, very touching.
I am just glad your were there to see it for us.
By: Andrew-O - 3rd March 2004 at 14:37
Snapper, I can only echo the earlier comments.
Very moving photos.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 23:44
Thanks Kev. You know something? That shot was NOT set up at all. That was a spontaneous candid ‘snapshot’.
I can’t take any credit for the memorial – I was merely ‘in attendance’ on the day. The credit goes to Joss and his helpers. They did a grand job.
By: kev35 - 2nd March 2004 at 23:39
Mark.
What can one say? You have a talent for bringing the dead to life, history flows past our eyes thanks to your vision, patience, determination and overwhelming compassion. Memorialisation may not be your occupation, but it is most definitely your vocation.
We should all offer a vote of thanks to those who made this tribute possible and spare a thought for Mike Shelton.
I have to say your last photo of Albert and Georges brought tears to my eyes. The ‘common, unconsidered man’ personified.
Regards,
kev35
By: EN830 - 2nd March 2004 at 21:11
Splendid photo’s Mark, and a fitting tribute, let there be more.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:09
The house over the road, in which Flying Officer Mike Shelton died, shortly after the crash.
At the going down of the sun…..
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:07
Albert and Georges.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:06
The site of the crash, showing the direction of descent.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:04
At the scene of the crash.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:02
Albert, Georges, Joss and the plaque.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 21:01
The RAF salutes One of their own.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 20:52
The Mayor of Paillencourt lays his tribute.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 20:50
Georges and Albert unveil the plaque, Joss Leclerq looks on.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 20:48
Albert and Georges.
By: Snapper - 2nd March 2004 at 20:47
Albert and Georges In Memory of Mike.
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March 2, 2004 at 8:39 pm