An event is planned at the memorial on the main runway of RAF Woodhall Spa to commemorate the tragic loss of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC and Sqn Ldr Jim Warwick.
On 19th September 1944, both men climbed aboard a Mosquito, piloted by Guy Gibson as the Master Bomber for a raid on Rheydt.
For undetermined reasons, their Mosquito crashed in Holland in the town of Steenbergen, killing both men.
Their remains were recovered and they were interred at the local cemetery. Only later was it realised who the victims were. Gibson had flown over 170 Operations including leading the famous Dambusters raid on 16th/17th May 1943.
Gibson's death was formally announced kn 8th January 1945.
The Mosquito took off from Woodhall Spa at 19:51 hours and crashed in Steenbergen around 22:30 hours.
The plan for the memorial commemoration is to be at Raf Woodhall Spa main gate at 19:00hours to allow people to walk to the memorial on the runway which is approximately a kilometre. There 2 mins silence will be held at 19:51hrs to remember their sacrifice.
All are welcome to attend, however due to a gate midway along the runway, it may be unsuitable for wheelchairs.
I myself cannot attend, as I have done for many years, usually all alone, as I live abroad.
However all are welcome to attend, light a candle, say a prayer, lay some flowers and remember Sqn Ldr Warwick (who's often overlooked) and a legend we lost aged just 26 years old.
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