RAF Leeming personnel were honoured to spend a poignant morning in Northallerton to remember the crew of a Halifax bomber killed during a World War II plane crash, and unveil a memorial in their honour.
The memorial is a joint project between the RAF and the Northallerton community, enabled by Volker Fitzpatrick, who sourced the stone from a Yorkshire quarry in Pateley bridge. It was unveiled by RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Hamilton, at a service attended by Northallerton dignitaries, children of Applegarth Primary School - outside which the Halifax crashed, and an 86-year old former pupil who was actually there on that tragic day.
All seven crew of the 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit were killed when it crashed shortly after take off on 2 December 1943.
It has been an honour to pay my respects on behalf of RAF Leeming to those who lost their lives in the Halifax crash here exactly 81 years ago. It has been very moving to share the occasion with those who witnessed and were no doubt deeply affected by the events of that tragic day in December 1943. Remembering the sacrifice of the Halifax crew, and sharing their legacy with the children of Applegarth Primary School, is a fitting tribute.
Group Captain Hamilton
RAF Leeming Station Commander
In memory of:
- Pilot - Flying Officer William John Taylor RCAF (J/24309), aged 25, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- Flight Engineer - Sergeant William John Morgan RAF (1663229), aged 19, of Mountain Ash, Glamorgan, Wales
- Navigator - Flight Sergeant James Murray Beatty RCAF (R/152879), aged 20, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Air Bomber - Flying Officer Donald Cameron Walker RCAF (J/25527), aged 27, of Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario, Canada
- Wireless Operator - Sergeant Thomas John Skyrme RAFVR (1400888), aged 21, of Ynysybwl, Wales
- Air Gunner - Sergeant John Owens Winters RAFVR (1796389), aged 19, of Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Air Gunner - Flight Sergeant John Wallace RCAF (R/176389), aged 22, of Lang, Saskatchewan, Canada
