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JB659 RAF Press Release

Posted by Tony on Fri Nov 30, 2001 05:34:42 PM

In reply top Re: On the vintage-and-warbirds YahooGroup posted by simon king on Fri Nov 30, 2001 12:18:54 PM

: Local evening paper said it was JB659
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: They must have had space to fill as there appeared to be n
: o local connection.
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: HTH
: sk

Memorial unveiled as Second World War flying heroes buried in Amsterdam


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The crew of a crashed World War II Lancaster, missing for nearly 60 years, were finally laid to rest today (Thursday 29 Nov 01) and a memorial unveiled in their honour. Lancaster JB 659 OF-J, or 'J' for Johnny, crashed on 31 January 1944 in Amsterdam while returning from a night bombing mission over Germany. It had been intercepted by a German night fighter and shot down.




The aircraft crashed into a farmhouse, killing all on board and six members of a Dutch family. Two crew members and the Dutch family were buried at the time.

Following a special service held at the Christian Church, Halfweg, Amsterdam, the remains of the five missing crew members, discovered recently during excavations, were re-interred with full military honours at Zwanenburg General Cemetery, Haarlemmermeer, Amsterdam.

The service was conducted by Archdeacon Jeffrey Allen and Major Alin Guevremont. Air Vice-Marshal Rob Wright, based at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Brussels, represented the Royal Air Force. Relatives of each of the seven crew members attended the memorial and re-interrment ceremonies.

Mr Geert Dales, Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, unveiled the memorial at the crash site, discovered by the Port of Amsterdam Authority during excavation work last year.

The funeral procession was led by members of the Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force. A bugler from the RAF Central Band sounded the Last Post in memory of those who died. Headstones were provided by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Air Vice-Marshal Wright explained how he felt being the RAF representative at such a memorable occasion:

"History is very important and today it reminds us of the commitment of these brave men during what was a particularly difficult campaign. Their daring efforts serve as a fitting tribute to the flying fraternity, and their ultimate sacrifice has been rightly recognised with a timely memorial," he said.

AVM Wright continued: "To remember these fine men is to remember a time when determination, camaraderie and great spirit came together to form the traditions of the flying world we know today, and that we have seen demonstrated in more recent times."

So now the airmen, who flew together in life and who were separated for almost 60 years, are now finally reunited.



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