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Second Website 2007-2012 Record

Remembrance Day Is Everyday

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Second Website 2012 - 2018

New Beginnings
(AircrewRemembranceSociety.co.uk)

Due to this forced unforeseen necessity, 2012 would see the rebuild of our site using an alternative domain to enable us to further our work.
My son Alexander King reestablishing our site as web developer and designer to further the availability of our research and remembrance commitments.

AA - January 2013 Our Website Was Closed, So The Need To Start Again Arose



Aircrew Remembrance Society (.com) website was forced to close.

In order to begin the reconstruction of our remembrance site without any further delay, on the 2nd January, purchased a new domain aircrewremembrancesociety.co.uk and a new Apple computer on the 15th, along with the necessary software to reproduce our site to its former respected design.

We we’re pleased to announce on the 16th of January that our chairmans son and life long member of our remembrance society, Alexander King, was appointed Webmaster for our site.

BB - February 2013 Website Construction Progress.

With general site layout, categories and links already constructed as of the 1st February, we had hoped that the site rebuild of previous material would be able to proceed at a fairly reasonable pace. Unfortunately this was not the case as back up files previously prepared proved inadequate. This meant that all previous remembrance pages would have to be constructed from scratch, using the material stored on our computers held at numerous storage locations in our squadrons archive collections. This would therefore be an ongoing task for some time, Numerous new pages were also under construction, with many new and old contacts providing material, and it was hoped that the site would soon be gaining momentum.

BC - March 2013 Vickers Wellington Dig Planned.

Alex King with a section of wing spar found at the site 29th March.

The society applied and was granted a M.O.D. Licence (No. 1737.) with regard to the investigation into the crash of an O.T.U. Wellington. A preliminary scan of the site in March, in preparation for an in depth search around August when the site has been harvested, reviled a number of readings, with the section of wing spar Alex is holding, that was protruding from the soil.

BE - May 2013 Buchanan family visit to England, Wellington R1451 crew Memorial.

On Tuesday 28th May a party of five relatives of F/Lt M.S. Buchanan D.F.C., his sister, three nephews and a niece, called in to pay their respects at the crash site memorial to the crew of Wellington R1451. The family were on their way to Leeds to visit the crash site and grave of F/Lt  Buchanan, who was sadly killed in the crash of Halifax MZ810. The organizer of the trip was John Buchanan, (second left wearing bush hat in photo above), who is a relative by marriage to Patricia ne ‘Johnston’ (Niece of P/O S.M. Johnston) the Navigator killed on Wellington R1451.

BH - August 2013 David King Arranged to meet with relatives from Australia

Relatives from Australia visit pilots grave and the site where his Mitchell aircraft crashed.

On the 22nd of August our Chairman David King arranged to meet with Jane McGrath and her husband Peter in Oxford, on the occasion of Jane’s pilgrimage to England on behalf of her mother, to visit the graves of her Uncle Flying Officer John Ledgerwood and his crew. Upon arriving at the Botley Cemetery Oxford, David was able to show Jane to the grave locations, whereupon framed photos, crosses and flags prepared by A.R.S. were placed upon the graves to co-inside with Jane’s Visit. Later that morning David drove Jane and Peter to the crash site of John’s Mitchell Bomber at Steeple Claydon, a distance of some 25 miles from the cemetery.

BI - September 2013 Investigation into the loss of Vickers Wellington Mk X HZ375

Although the majority of this aircraft was removed at the time of the crash, still many interesting small finds were made.

This recovery was undertaken in memory of eight crew killed when this aircraft crashed. Before the recovery started a few words were spoken on behalf of the crew, and a minutes silence held.

to view the Archeology page please see Here.

CC - March 2014 High Ground Wrecks Collection Preserved (In Memory of Martin Johnson)

The Society was sorry to have to announce the sad loss of fellow researcher and historian Martin Johnson, who passed away suddenly in March 2014, aged 51. All of us at the Society offered our heartfelt condolences to all Martins family and friends at this sad time.

Martin during one of his many high ground investigations, seen right in May 1999 with main undercarriage from B-24H 42-9841. 492nd Bomb Group.

During his lifetime Martin built up a large collection of artifacts from the many sites he visited over many decades, building a substantial data base and photographic record, centered mainly around high ground wrecks in the Peak District. The Aircrew Remembrance Society is honored to preserve this collection in Martins memory. Martin was a dedicated researcher who will also be remembered on the pages to those his life time’s work remembers, not only on our present day pages, but also along with all our work, recorded by The British Library for all future generations to come. We would like to thank Martin’s long-time friend John Melton for his help in our preservation of Martin’s material, and his support for the family.

CF - June 2014: B-17 Crash Investigation and C-47 Memorial Fly past at Bletsoe In Association with Bletsoe Church Fete

Back on the 21st June 2014 the Aircrew Remembrance Society undertook an investigation under M.O.D. Licence 1773, into the loss of B-17 42-31469 of the 306th Bomb Group. The aircraft had crashed on take-off on the 26th April 1944, following an engine fire. It completely disintegrated and burned, killing everyone on board except the tail gunner Sgt. George Littlefield. (A full report can be found in our 1944 U.S.A.A.F. Losses Here)

Seen Right - Remains of B-17 42-31469 the day after the crash. (King A.R.S. Archives)

CH - August 2014 Aircrew Remembrance Society stall at The Bucks County Show.

To further the remembrance work of the society, a stall was obtained at The Buck’s County show in August. Many new contacts were made with farmers and as a result two further crash sites are now under investigation. We were also able to assist numerous members of the public with research information relating to loved ones, and further remembrance pages are soon to be added to the site. A special thanks to Alex King and Ryan Stevens for organising the event, and the distribution of many leaflets on behalf of the society.

CK - November 2014 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Education Outreach Program

The Societies connections with education now spans over four decades. Our chairman David King is now a representative for the C.W.G.C. at Botley Cemetery, Oxford. After over forty years of research relating to those interned there, David’s knowledge is now being passed on to the next generation. He has already produced numerous case files for Botley cemetery relating to this C.W.G.C. project, and he is currently working on numerous case files for other cemeteries, soon to be included in this C.W.G.C. Education Outreach project. The project is open to all schools and youth groups, please get in touch through our contact page for further details.

seen right - Our Chairman David King centre back row, with one of three C.W.G.C. school visits this year to Botley Cemetery. Back row far left, Alan Johns Volunteer.

DB - February 2015 High Ground Wreck Collection Preservation

Following our acquisition of a High Ground Wreck collection back in 2014, the opportunity had arisen for us to obtain another large collection of historic interest, thanks to John Ownsworth. This collection began as far back as the 1960s, an impressive preservation achievement by a dedicated group of guys with an interest in aviation. This was a large collection and our hope was to be able to make these items available for public viewing, this we have now achieved along with some items still retained in the society’s remembrance collection. Those involved in creating this collection, include, John Ownsworth, Jim Chatterton, Alan Jones, and the late Martin (Sef) Johnson.

(Right) John Ownsworth on Broomhead Moor in 1981, with the remains of Wellington DV810, that crashed on 9-12-42 (All seven crew survived)

DG - July 2015 Forth Coming High Ground Wreck Museum Display

Following our acquisition of this second High Ground Wreck Collection purchased by our Vice Chairman & Webmaster (Alex King),
on behalf of the society to assure their preservation in the future, as well as preserving the memory of those crew members that sadly lost their lives in these tragedies, we are pleased to announce that in cooperation with a close friend and contact Elliot Smock, well known as the founder of “The Whitley Project”, a display at a well know London Museum will soon come to fruition. The display will centre around two major incidents, the major exhibit being the main cockpit construction and components from one of the F-86 Sabre’s, XD707 and XD730 that crashed on the 22nd July 1954, the other being the tragic crash of B-29 Super Fortress “Over Exposed”

(Right) Third generation Aircrew Remembrance Society member Adam King, son of our webmaster Alex, and grandson of our chairman David, pre-flight checks his F-86

DI - September 2015 Aircrew Remembrance Society Memorial to fallen German Aircrew.

On a quiet Scottish hillside Irmtrud Hiestermann stood in wonder at the site before her, with her son Henning at her side at last she could stand at the place where the father she had never known, had tragically lost his life so many years ago.
At the time of her father Paul Rogge’s death, Irmtrud was just six months old. Personal items found at the crash site at this time, included a treasured photo of Irmtrud that Paul had carried with him, returned to the family by the Red Cross, this tragic artefact the only remaining token of her father’s love she would ever know.



ED - April 2016, Missing Stirling LJ850 “Yorkshire Rose” found in France!

Researchers in France had uncovered aircraft parts that were believed to be from Short Stirling LJ850. The Aircrew Remembrance Society was contacted by relatives of members on board, and was supporting them in their quest for a registered grave for their loved ones.

A list of those missing on board is reproduced here in our Memorial & Remembrance section. If you have any connection with those listed, please contact the society, we will offer you our full support, and if requested with you consent we can put you in contact with other relatives of those missing, in the hope you may be able to assist each other in bringing closure to this tragic event, which has left 23 men missing for over 70 years.

Two recent articles published in the Times from close relatives relating to there quest for the recovery of this aircraft are reproduced here.

EE - May 2016 Research From our Good Friend Henning Continues into the loss of Ju88 Wknr. 144550

Following our visit to Scotland to remember a Luftwaffe crew and a missing man, we have remained in touch with the grandson of the pilot (Paul Rogge) Henning Hiestermann. Henning has worked tirelessly to assist us with further research into this tragic loss. Working for us in Germany his work is priceless! Reported here are his latest investigations in relation to the radio operator on his grandfather’s crew, Karl Brinkman.

Report from Henning 1st May 2016.

Today I was for a few hours in Holzhausen/Porta Westfalica. This is the village where Karl Brinkmann, the radio operator of my grandfather’s crew was born. I visited the church and met after the service the pastor Schierbaum. He showed me a book in which all the fallen Holzhausener of World War II are listed. I took a picture of the bookside (see attached file).


The church where Karl Brinkmann is remembered, and their book of remembrance.


EG - July 2016 Research From our Good Friend Henning Continues into the loss of Ju88 Wknr. 144550 with visit to Ernst Glück sister.

Visit to the Sister of Ernst Glück 14.07.2016 by Henning Hiestermann.

Thursday, 14.07.2016 Henning Hiestermann with Elisabeth Lewien,(born Glück), the youngest sister from Ernst Glück

Dear Friends,

Yesterday evening I get back from my trip to southern Germany. On Thursday, 14.07.2016 I visited Elisabeth Lewien, born Glück. She is the youngest sister from Ernst Glück, the observer of my grandfathers crew. She lives in Waiblingen, near Stuttgart and is now 86 years old. The other three sisters of Ernst have already died. Unfortunately, Elisabeth has mild dementia, but she can still remember her brother very good. He has always cared very much about his smallest sister and played often with her. She can still very well remember that he has often worn her on his shoulders. Read more -

EI - September 2016 Bomber Command Veteran Records His Memories.

Following research undertaken by our webmaster Alexander King, we were honoured to be invited to the home of Roy and Shirley Maddock-Lyon, to record Roy's exploits as a Flight Engineer flying Halifax's with No.10 Squadron Bomber Command. A three hour audio tape has now preserved Roy's story. Now aged 91 Roy gives his harrowing account of being shot down over Denmark, his evasion with the help of the Danish underground, and his work with them to bring valuable secret information back to England after escaping to Sweden, and returning in the bomb bay of a Mosquito on the Stockholm ball bearing run. 

(Left) Alex King with Roy Maddock-Lyon (Right) Roy during training in WW2

EJ - October 2016 New Memorial To The Crew Of Junkers Ju88A-14 Werke/Nr 1444550

Back in 2015 we reported on the society’s erection of a memorial cross to the missing KG6 crewman Werner Walter in Scotland. In October 2016 a second cross unveiled at the site in memory on the entire crew of Junkers Ju88A-14 Werke/Nr 1444550, in the presence of the pilot, Paul Rouge’s grandson Henning.

Reports of these memorials have now been reported in the German press and the Luftwaffe magazine “Jagerblatt”

EJ - October 2016 New Memorial was planed for crew of LIBERATOR FK242, ‘K-KING’ of 224 Squadron, RAF UPDATE – From Rob Jones

The Memorial, as written by Rob Jones 1st October 2016.

There’s some excellent news to report - Dartmoor National Park Authority have agreed to the placement of the memorial on Plaster Down near to where the Liberator came down. They had already given tacit approval with provisos about maintenance, insurance and ownership. I have been able to give assurances about maintenance and continued ownership and now the Authority has agreed to include the memorial on its insurance providing it is set in place by their Conservation Team. That cleared the way for a site meeting and a few days ago Nigel Rendle and I met with Jon Stones, Assistant Head Ranger (Works), to agree the location. There is more good news concerning the provision of the memorial post. A neighbour of mine, Pat Patterson, recently uncovered a granite post in his garden. Pat is an ex Royal Marine who used to fly in Sea King helicopters over Dartmoor and when I explained why I was casting covetous eyes on his find, he readily agreed to donate it for such a worthy cause. Jon Stones and Andy, the Park’s stonemason, picked up the granite post four days ago – they needed a small crane, and it now resides in the workshop at Bovey Tracy awaiting the plaque. I’m currently in discussion with a company that specialises in the manufacture of bronze memorial plaques.

Left) A 224 Squadron Liberator. (Right) Proposed new designed memorial (Rob Jones)

Read more here on this memorial in our Memorial & Remembrance Archive

FA - Steven Hall, One of the Pioneers of Aviation Archaeology Passed Away.

On the 6th January we heard the sad news that Steve Hall had passed away. Steve was one of the pioneers of what would come to be known as Aviation Archaeology, formerly as a member of the Wealden Aviation group and, amongst other things, one of the originators of the concept of a museum at Tangmere. Steve worked for many years with our previous Luftwaffe historian M Brownless, he enriched the lives of all of us that were privileged to know him. We will never forget his friendship, kindness and his sense of humour, always the prankster and comedian he would often lead you on with some yarn, so you always had to stay sharp. Along with these precious memories Steve also leaves us another Legacy, that which is the large catalogue of historical aviation archives, work collated by him over many decades, much of which was undertaken before the computer age, when letter writing was the means of communication that had to be used. Without this painstaking work hundreds of documents, photos and stories would have been lost. The Aircrew Remembrance Society is proud to be able to reproduce much of his work in many of our web site remembrance pages, a legacy which now in turn is a lasting memorial of remembrance to this legend in our field. Our Missing Man, Our Friend, Steven Hall.

FD - April 2017 - North American Sabre F.Mk 4s XD707 & XD730 display at Coalhouse Fort.

High Ground Wreck Exhibits at Coalhouse Fort. Sabre exhibit relating to the collision of XD707 and XD730 

Back in 2015 we reported on the acquisition of a High Ground Wreck collection by our webmaster Alex, to assure its preservation. The opportunity had arisen for us to obtain a large collection of historic interest thanks to John Ownsworth. The collection began as far back as the 1960s, an impressive preservation achievement by a dedicated group of guys with an interest in aviation. Those involved in creating this collection, include, John Ownsworth, Jim Chatterton, Alan Jones, and the late Martin (Sef) Johnson. Our hope was to make this large collection of items available for public viewing. This now constructed thanks to the work of Elliot Smock, with the support of The Thames Aviation Museum, housed at the historic Coalhouse Fort, Tilbury, Essex. The High Ground Wreck Collection joins the recovered aircraft exhibits already displayed by the group, these along with other exhibits relating to this historic fort on the Thames, along with its known paranormal activity, makes this a compelling site to visit for anyone with an historical interest.

Right -  The display at, The Thames Aviation Museum, Coalhouse Fort, Tilbury, Essex (2017).


FG - July 2017 1st July 2017 Australian Air Gunners Relatives Visit his Memorial in Watlington, England.

(Right) Jamie left, with her mother, father and two sisters at the crash site location (David King)

Following the societies success in locating the crash site of Vickers Wellington R1451 on the 16th September 2011, along with the unveiling of the memorial the following year on the 3rd September 2012, in association with the land owners, David and Lynne Parker, we were again for a third time privileged to meet with relatives of another victim of the crash, the rear gunner Ronald Clifford. After being contacted by Jamie Clifford we were able with the assistance of the land owners, to arrange the visit in the morning of the 1st of July, on behalf of her father, Nephew to Ronald Clifford. Later that afternoon they were also able to visit Ronald’s grave at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, at Botley, Oxford.

FG - July 2017. DB603 Engine Comes Home.

Stolen from our Chairman’s museum at Booker in the early 1990’s, an Me410 DB603 engine has been tracked down and returned to the society. We extend our thanks and gratitude to those with a true interest in our remembrance and preservation activities, who brought to our attention that the engine was up for sale and its whereabouts. We would also like to thank P.C. Sharp of the Thames Valley Police who investigated the reports on our behalf, and insured that the engine was not removed from its discovered location, until we were able to arrange transportation. The engine is now safely back in the societies collection.

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