Liberator Bomber crash

Memorial unveiling video clips

After 66 years a memorial has been erected to commemorate the loss of these 10 brave airmen who gave their lives to save hundreds by staying with their stricken aircraft over Cheshunt and crashing into a field rather than a populated area.

The crew of the B-24 Liberator steered the stricken aircraft away from the town

On August 12, 1944, a B-24 Liberator from RAF Wending was on its way to perform a bombing mission when it is thought that a mid-air collision sent it tumbling from the sky with a full payload of explosives. Headed for the heart of Cheshunt, the crew bravely remained on-board to steer the aircraft clear of the town.

Then 15-year-old fire-fighter Ernie Havis attended the scene. Haunted by the experience of retrieving the bodies of the airmen, he resolved to recognise their courageous act. After Broxbourne Council turned down Mr Havis’ request for funding, Broxbourne resident Lee Williamson donated the funds to build the memorial. Now 80 years old, Mr Havis spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio about the events of that day.

A memorial service to unveil the stone at St Mary’s School, off Lieutenant Ellis Way in Cheshunt was held on the 22 January 2011 at 11.00am as well as a memorial service to dedicate the new memorial at St Mary’s School Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt. Lt Ellis was the pilot of the B-24 that came down with engine trouble on the 12th of August 1944; all of the crew perished in the crash not far from where the new school has been built. It was rumoured that it was originally in collision with a 389th B-17 from Nuthampstead but this was found to be untrue.   For more information follow the link to Lowewood Museum below.   http://www.lowewood.com/cheshunt/b24-liberator-bomber-crash.html

 

This page was added on 24/01/2011.

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