Today marks a very poignant and special anniversary marking 81 years since a Halifax bomber got into difficulties over the school, crashing into a nearby field with all seven lives lost.
The bomber, that had set off from nearby RAF Croft on a training mission, had a mixture of Canadian and British crew on board.
The sad event that occurred on the 2nd December 1943 is part of the local history taught at school.
Today, a memorial stone was unveiled stating the names of the airmen and the reassurance that they would not be forgotten. All children were present at the ceremony which involved RAF Leeming personnel including the Station Commander, the Mayor, local historians, a Canadian RAF serviceman, previous pupils who were at school in 1943 and a representative of Elvington Air Museum.
Wreaths were laid and children of service families laid special crosses to mark each of the men on board. A maple tree, signifying the Canadian involvement was also planted. The Y6 ambassadors also did a fine job retelling the story of what had happened.
Despite the drizzle, children stood or sat respectfully and we know that this event will not be forgotten.
Well done to all on a great job. Thank you for seeing this through to such a success.
Graeme Garnham
Well done to Mrs Cross, Mr Garnham, the staff, pupils and every individual who colloborated on the project and the service.
It was incredibly well-planned – a moving and fitting tribute to a tragic event.
I’m sure the pupils will remember this for a long time after they leave Applegarth.