Cheshunt to recognise WWII airmen
The crew of the B-24 Liberator steered the stricken aircraft away from the town
On August 12, 1944, a B-24 Liberator from RAF Wending was on its way to perform a bombing mission when it is thought that a mid-air collision sent it tumbling from the sky with a full payload of explosives. Headed for the heart of Cheshunt, the crew bravely remained on-board to steer the aircraft clear of the town. Then 15-year-old fire-fighter Ernie Havis attended the scene. Haunted by the experience of retrieving the bodies of the airmen, he resolved to recognise their courageous act. After Broxbourne Council turned down Mr Havis' request for funding, Broxbourne resident Lee Williamson donated the funds to build the memorial. Now 80 years old, Mr Havis spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio about the events of that day. Unveiling .
A memorial service to dedicate the new memorial at St Mary's School Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt on the 22nd January 2011 at 11.00am.
Lt Ellis was the pilot of a B-24 that came down with engine trouble on the 12th of August 1944, all of the crew perished in the crash not far from where the new school has been built. It was rumoured that it was originally in collision with a 389th B-17 from Nuthampstead but this was found to be untrue.
For more information follow the link to Lowewood Museum below.
http://www.lowewood.com/cheshunt/b24-liberator-bomber-crash.html