On 25 september 1944, at the end of the Battle of Arnhem, Mitchells of Dutch 320 Squadron an RAF 98 Squadron attacked targets just north of Arnhem. A couple of Mustang and Spitfire escort fighters and 2 Mitchells were shot down. The Mitchell flown by Australian pilot Williams of 98 Squadron crashed 700 metres South East of the John Frost bridge. Williams managed to bail out, but was shot dead by a German while descending with his parachute.
Today there was a commemoration at the crash site. Special guests were veterans of 320 Squadron, with mr Hoensen and mr Hissink among them. There were also several eye witnesses of the crash. Mr Baars was one of them. He buried the body of Wiliams in 1944. From Australia the brother of Williams was attending this event. Only a short time ago, he first learned what had caused the death of his brother 66 years ago.
The official part of the commemoration started after a fly-by from Spitfire MK732.
For more information: http://www.litho320.veteranen.nl/index.htm
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October 30, 2010 at 3:41 pm