Lancaster Bomber Crew Member Brass Plaque - Oxon.

I took these 12-06-2022 at St Peter's Church, Great Haseley, Oxon. F/O WH.Cross was a mid-upper gunner on Lancaster JA 936 MG-J of No 7 Squadron Oakington, Cambs.

 

Just after taking photographs of this plaque at Gt Haseley Church, I was informed of a local WW2 B-17 crash just outside the village. Making enquires of any village History Group, I found-out that one did exist. So, I contacted them to ask if there were any kind of memorial for that B-17 Crew. ''No'', was the short answer, but was told the subject would be discussed at their next meeting. I didn't really expect any positive responce, and didn't hear anything for a month-or-so. The Church had agreed to allow a memorial to be placed within their grounds, and contact had been made with quite a few of the families of the lost crew members. With some regular updates, I was informed that a memorial was going to be dedicated Remembrance Sunday 12-11-2023. So, almost 80 years to the day, this Brave Crew were going to be Publicly Remembered Forever. R.I.P.



The Churchyard Memorial and 306th Bomb Group (Thurleigh, Bedfordshire) display within the Church.

 

The unveiling at St Peter's Church, Great Haseley, Oxon. 12-11-2023.



Last photograph shows the Brother of the Pilot, Robert Scudder, at 103 years old, who unveiled the Memorial holding the flag presented to him.

 

Just before the unveiling we were treated to a low flypast by a P-47 Thunderbolt. This done two flypasts followed by a Perfect Roll. After the Church Service roughly 50 invited guests attended a Roast Lunch in the Village Hall. There were 13 American Guests between the ages of 4 years to 103 years old.



The local Village Hall, the seating arrangements, yours truly, Jane, one of the main organisers on the left, thanking everyone involved in this Memorial Service. Robert Scudder giving a brief speech, the land owner waiting for those interested in visiting the actual crash site.

 

A few of the placed wreath's, Robert Scudder with his Son and Great Grandson at the Memorial after the Service.
Sadly,I have to say that this painting of the 'Last Supper' with the attached plaque have disappeared. The Vicar and Church Warden have no-idea why, or when it was removed !

 

LF. As always, excellent coverage of these memorial events.

 

I collected this book from Great Haseley earlier this week. Sadly these are the only two photographs that it will allow me to post up ? The few others say ; Not Allowed No Extension ?????

 

A few more from my 35 Page Book.

 

Thank you for this. I am related to the pilot of Lancaster JA 936 MG-J, Sqdn Ldr Cyril Anekstein DFC.