A MEMORIAL service to mark 81 years since the tragic crash of a Whitley Bomber close to Broadway Tower saw dignitaries from across Evesham pay their respects.
Members of the Evesham Branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) and other service representatives and friends attended a short service last Sunday (June 2).
The service was held to honour the two Canadians and three British servicemen who tragically died on June 2, 1943 on board a bomber at the end of their training course.
On the second circuit the aircraft crashed into the top of the hill, near to Broadway Tower. The five were: F/Sgt H.G Hagen, RCAF; F/Sgt R.S. Phillips, RAF; Sgt D.H. Kelly, RCAF; Sgt D.A. Marriott , RAF (VR); Sgt G.E. Elkins, RAF (VR).
Coun Jennie Johnson, chairman of the Evesham branch of the Royal Air Force Association, welcomed the small contingent of ex-service members, ex-service organisations, standard bearers, and guests who attended.
The parade was led by Danny Rollinson, representing the Royal British Legion, and the service was conducted by Robert Paterson, the honorary Assistant Bishop for the Diocese of Worcester.
There were several standards on parade – including the RBL (Offenham Branch), the Royal Air Force Association (Evesham Branch) and three from the Royal Observer Corps Association including the ROCA National Standard. The other two Standards were from ROCA No 3 Group Oxford and ROCA No 12 Group Bristol. Members of the Royal Observer Corps Association attending included the National Secretary.
Representing the Evesham branch of the RAF association was 103-year-old president and Battle of Britain survivor Jeff Brereton who read the dedication.
The mayor of Evesham, Coun Robert Raphael, who was joined in remembrance by his consort Coun Marion Griffiths, laid a wreath at the foot of the Witley Bomber Memorial.
Annetta Gorton, owner of Broadway Tower, once again attended the service with members of her family.
Mike Butler and Carol Hall played the Last Post to conclude the service of remembrance.
