Wellingtons in formation (Photo courtesy of John Havers)Friend and fellow aviation historian John Havers of England sent me an interesting story today showing that in England, the people still remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price in the war. He tells the following story:
"Vickers-Armstrongs Wellington X bomber HF485 of 82 Operational TrainingUnit, RAF Ossington, Notts returning from operations over the Brest area of France on 5 July 1944, suffered engine trouble.
A forced landing was attempted at 0245 hrs at Livermore Farm, Honiton, but during the final moments of the flight, the aircraft struck the farm house, killing the crew of 6; all were from the Royal Canadian Air Force:
Flight Lieutenant Frank Lorne Burston (30) London, Ontario
his brother, Flying Officer Glen Richard Burston (28) London, Ontario
Flying Officer Douglas Gordon Bush, DFC (21)Kelowna, British Columbia
Flying Officer Richard Vernon Doupe (31) London, Ontario
Sgt. Neil Scott Hurder (20) Saint John, New Brunswick
Sgt. Owen Miller (20) from Toronto.
All are buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey.
The crew was remembered at the Communion Service at St Michael's Church, Honiton yesterday; the 64th anniversary of the tragic accident. The church is but a very short distance from the crash site. We were happy to be at the service and to hear their names mentioned.
Their Name Liveth for Evermore"
