On 17th May 1945, between VE Day and VJ Day, Lancaster Bomber RF124 630 Squadron, on a routine training flight out of East Kirkby, crashed on the Lichfield Road in Wednesfield. All seven young crew members were killed and there were insufficient remains for full recovery of the bodies. None of these young men were Wednesfield folk, but it is in Wednesfield that they all lost their lives. As the 75th anniversary of this event and indeed the end of World War Two itself approaches, Wednesfield History Society plans to commemorate the loss of the whole crew in the place where they perished together, preparing to serve king and country. We are working with the City of Wolverhampton Council to create a permanent memorial as near to the crash site as is feasible, without compromising existing underground or overground services. The memorial is set for unveiling on Sunday 17th May 2020 where a public religious service will be held to complete the commemoration.

What we'll deliver:

• Build a memorial by 17th May 2020
• Provide an information board to help people understand the background to the project
• Arrange a public memorial service to be held on Sunday 17th May 2020
• Deposit a scroll of dedication in Wolverhampton City Archives containing the names of all subscribers to the project

Why it's a great idea:

This project builds on the memories of elderly people who were resident in Wednesfield as children and witnessed the Lancaster's difficulties. Thus, a highly emotive event from the past would be created in the present and preserved into the future. Wider public interest in what has become known as the 'Lancaster crash' has grown in the past decade. A popular local public house near to the crash site has been re-named 'The Lancaster' and the event has also attracted media attention. A memorial would build on the existing art trail in Bentley Bridge, Wednesfield, and create a fitting entrance to the public fields nearby. In this way, the social culture of the area will be enriched. Wednesfield History Society has long promoted the historical relevance of this event and the erection of a permanent memorial would ensure that this piece of history will not be lost. Commemorating historic events fosters interest within communities helping to engender pride and a sense of belonging.

Steps to get it done:

• Raise public awareness by hosting a 1940s social evening at Corpus Christi Social Centre on Friday 22nd November
• Planned sessions for senior citizens who want to recount their memories of the Lancaster Crash
• Public service of dedication and remembrance on Sunday 17th May 2020