In 1947 a Canadian aircraft crashed on its approach to Aghadowey Airfield in County Londonderry, NI and the pilot was never found. The crash site is off the Ballyagan and Mayoghill roads in boggy ground. The aircraft and the body were not recovered but occasionally parts of the aircraft appear after the area is ploughed or grazed. These objects are placed on the memorial. The Garvagh Branch of the Royal British Legion visit the site every year, one week before the Armistice Day Parade takes place. The family of the pilot have visited this site in the past. I was taken to the site by ex-Drum Major Raymond McKeeman who until his retirement last year was the oldest serving soldier in the British Army. He appears in one of the attached photos. I am not to sure about the first line of the headstone, can anyone elaborate?
I heard about this a few years ago but could never met anyone who knew much about it, thanks for posting.
Details from the CWGC. MacDONALD, JAMES WILLARD Rank:Steward Service No:H/51139 Date of Death:04/11/1947 Age:25 Regiment/Service:Royal Canadian Navy H.M.S.Gannet. Panel ReferencePanel 6. MemorialHALIFAX MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of James MacDonald, and of Laura MacDonald, of Newcastle, New Brunswick. CWGC - Casualty Details
Excellent. Thanks for sharing this with us. I never knew about this. Can the memorial be easily seen from the road?? Must pay a visit.
