On Sunday 11th July 2021, East Farndon held a moving ceremony at the War Memorial and was treated to the incredible spectacle of a flypast over the village by the Dakota from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
These events were held to remember and honour five young RAF airmen, who lost their lives in July 1944, during the second World War. Two separate air crashes happened in the village, but until recently, little was known about these incidents.
Many thanks to Judy Hodgetts for carrying out the extensive research into the details of the two air crashes and organising these events. You can see the story behind the air crashes by accessing Judy’s article, which is part of the Village History section of this website, via the link below.
You can read more about WW2 in East Farndon by accessing the Village History section of this website via the menu or clicking the link below,
https://eastfarndon.org/east-farndon-in-world-war-two/
The Parish Council organised 2 plaques for the ceremony at the War Memorial. Judy Hodgetts read the dedication and the remembrance plaques were placed by Lance Corporal Oli Burton, 22 Signals Regiment. You can view a video of the ceremony by clicking the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Btbi9jrsE
The ceremony was followed by the Dakota flypast. Many thanks to Scott Harrison for liaising with the RAF to arrange this historic flypast over the village to honour these men. You can see a video of the flypast by clicking the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4lMDAXJlZo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPP23J0tugs
You can read an interesting article about the RAF Dakota and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight by clicking the following link:
https://vintageaviationecho.com/https://vintageaviationecho.com/bbmf-bomber-crews/?
Unfortunately, we could not hold a celebration afterwards, but in the future, talks will be organised so that everyone can learn more about the air crashes and the people who lost their lives. The village events have also been covered by local media. You can view the story on Harborough FM by clicking the following link:
https://harboroughfm.co.uk/dakota-flypast-honours-lost-raf-airmen/
In addition, see below a collection of photos from people who attended the village event.
