A story heard in childhood by a Shropshire woman has led to a very special memorial service.
In 1944 six lives were lost in a B17 Flying Fortress crash on the Dhustone, Clee Hill.
Eighty years to the day later – on Monday, November 25, 2024 – they will be remembered in a special service at the crash site, a service which will be attended by 20 relatives of those lost in the crash, who will be making a special trip from America for the event.
Annette Burgoyne was told of the crash by her father when she was a child and never forgot the story of the six who lost their lives when they joined the fight against Nazism.
Five of those who died were from the USA while the sixth, a British woman, was a serving military officer. They were en route from Stansted to Ireland.
When Annette shared the story with friends Rick Summers and Rob Bradley, they decided to find a way to pay tribute to the six.
“We felt they should not be forgotten and that there should be some kind of memorial to them. But we never dreamed when we started the incredible response we would get, especially from America,” she said.
“We have been amazed at how the thing just snowballed," said Rob.
The daughter of one of the plane's passengers, Wendy Vereen Dowden, is unable to attend the service, but wrote: "I want to express my gratitude for all of you who have worked to bring this project to fruition. I know that my mother and sister (both deceased) would be honored to know that this memorial is taking place."
The service will take place at Dhustone next to the crash site, where a memorial stone and plaque overlook the present Clee Hill quarry on Monday, November 25, at 11.30am where they will be joined by representatives of the Royal British Legion and the Paras Association. An Army chaplain will conduct a short service and the Last Post will be played by Annette’s son James.
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