Members of the Lodge (Hertfordshire Lodge of the Legion) lay poppy wreaths at many war memorials throughout Hertfordshire on Remembrance Sunday every year. This year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 10th November but due to our heavy commitments on that day we are having a special service at the USAF Liberator Memorial in Cheshunt on Saturday 2nd November and would be delighted if you are able to join us.
On the 12th August 1944 what was then the small town of Cheshunt was saved from a catastrophic disaster that would have cost many of the local citizens their lives.
An American ‘Liberator’ aircraft from the 392nd Bomber Command based in Wendling, Norfolk, on route to Germany, was involved in a mid air incident above the town.
The plane, under the command of Lt John D Ellis, fell from the sky and was steered away from Cheshunt and crash landed just outside the town. The B-24 bomber was laden with bombs when it crashed and exploded on impact killing all ten crew on board.
The service will be held at The Liberator Memorial which is situated at Lieutenant Ellis Way and will commence at 10.45. The duration of the service will be approximately 30 minutes and will include the participation of a Colour and Honour Guard of US military personell based at RAF Mildenhall.
The usual acts associated with a Royal British Legion service will be included such as the reading of The Roll of Honour, the playing of The Last Post, The Royal British Legion Exhortation, two minutes silence, Reveille and The Kohima Epitaph followed by the wreath laying etc.
The local Mayor is attending and I have also written to the local MP (yet to respond) and also several local Councillors as well as Member of the Lodge and other Lodges who meet at Cheshunt and other centres throughout the Province.
Needless to say attendance is not restricted to Members of the Craft and so it would be good to see many of your family, friends etc at the service.
Afterwards there will be light refreshments served at Halsey Hall.
Peter Headington
Charity Steward
Hertfordshire Lodge of the Legion
