The Loss of Lancaster W4270 And Her Crew

It’s the actual 70th Anniversary today, if you remember please spare them a thought at 22.56hrs. I will raise a glass to them, as one sister said ‘He was killed when I was 15, he was my hero then, and he still is’

Lovely to see this.. long may their memory live on!

Thank you, we were very pleased with how it all went. So wonderful to meet so many people we’d emailed and written to finally in the flesh.

I’m totally hoarse now, no surprises there, but after everyone had gone Annie, Ian and I went back for a few moments quiet contemplation to the Memorial, just as the sun was setting…a beautiful end to a wonderful day. http://flic.kr/s/aHsjE2z8yS

If I can help with the weather, I will 😉

Congratulations to everyone involved with arrangements for this afternoon’s commemorations jr – it was a privilege to attend such a friendly gathering in such wonderful surroundings!

As for the weather – is there any chance you can help organise the events at NAM and bring the weather with you?

The crew were remembered in great Nottinghamshire style – well done. 🙂

They should be, will see later as I have a meeting up there to finalise the order of service. Hoping the ones planted around the memorial that one of the crews sisters sent have flourished, as she is coming on Sunday!

The prospects for Sunday keep getting better and better – are the snowdrops out as well? 🙂

And thanks TwinOtter an extra piece of cake for you on Sunday 🙂

Yes indeed! Happy to arrange something, the wider their story is heard, the better we have done our job! If you could DM me an address please, I would happily send a few out on sale or return or whatever is suitable.
Just writing a piece to be included in the service to show the personal side of this, some wonderful quotes from family and friends, lump in my throat.

John, you should talk to j r nicely and I’m sure something could be arranged – if stocks at Staunton are depleted I’m sure something can be arranged via NAM! 😉

j r – no commission due on this one!! 😀

TwinOtter23

Thank you. Good suggestion. Perhaps I can buy a few for distribution at Popham, Old Sarum and Thruxton.

John,

You ought to get them the Staunton booklet! 😉

Absolutely, we were so pleased to hear the Staunton grandchildren on who’s families land this accident occurred will be attending the service on Sunday. They have always shown great interest in what happened and their grandparents and parents are keen that they will be aware of this event in history and the effect it had on so many people.
I stood with one of the young grandsons at the rededication day two years ago, and we watched the BBMF Lancaster fly up the valley, I’m not sure who’s jaw dropped the lowest, we were both so in awe we nearly forgot to run to see her bank over the Hall and our Memorial.
A wonderful sight and a day he will always remember I’m sure.

Heaven forbid that these and related matters are ever forgotten. Whether you’re ‘on topic’ or not, I just hope and pray that you chaps never stop talking and writing about this subject.

I make it a point – as lightly as possible -to tell my two grandaughters; Annabel aged 10 and Jessica 7 about the deeds of the RAF and in particular Bomber Command during WW2. They listen very attentively.

That these children, so remote in time from the events in question, should know something about this subject, reinforces and supports all that you do.

That’s a shame, would have been good to see you there. Hope the weather is good, some relatives coming from Scotland at the furthest. Should be wonderful if it goes to plan, everything crossed.

Jack – I will be overseas, so cannot make it. Hope the weather is kind

Praesta

Thank you all, hoping we do them proud!

I for one am really looking forward to Sunday! 🙂

W4270

Good to hear that these guys continue to be remembered..hope the weather is kind for the service.
Ed

Although not quite as high profile as some 70th Anniversary celebrations this year, the 18th of this month brings that of our crew and Lancaster W4270’s demise.

A small private service has been planned by Miss Annie Hogg in tribute to this crew and I’m delighted to say that several relatives have confirmed attendance and will be meeting up for the first time, including a couple of sisters, cousins nephews, nieces and family members and friends. We have members of the Royal British Legion as well as staff from RAF Syerston amongst others involved with this project and we are hoping to do them proud!

Brief background to the project here www.vimeo.com/14431980

So far I can only find reference to 2 of your crew, both of which were as part of crews that went on Ops whilst with 1661 CU. More work required! 😮

Plus the O.R.B. still only calls the unit 1661 Conversion Unit (so far no use of Heavy)