On November 13 1943, 71 years ago, the B17 “Sunrise Serenader” crashed in the fields of Shiplake and on the Wargrave riverside with the tail falling in what is now Hennerton Golf Club. Nine crewmen died and one managed to parachute to safety after two bombs exploded.
A memorial to the crew will be unveiled at noon on November 13 2014 at Hennerton Golf Club, overlooking the crash site, by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP in the presence of Brig. General Dieter Bareihs, US Defense Attaché. The crash was witnessed by Jim Waldron from Wargrave who was then 14 years old and Mary Burge from Shiplake who was also 14, both of whom will assist with the unveiling of the memorial.
Shiplake College pupils will provide musical accompaniment for the memorial unveiling, led by Director of Music Mr Paul Jones, who was very pleased to be asked to help with this event. The pupils involved have been rehearsing hard, recognising the significance of the service. This time of year is always a time for reflection, and all those at the school are looking forward to paying their respects to the brave soldiers who were involved in this tragic accident.
Anyone interested in attending the memorial can find out more information on the event page.
