Volunteers and local veterans have climbed Beamsley Beacon to clean and restore the memorial dedicated to the crew of a Royal Canadian Air Force Lancaster bomber that crashed there almost 80 years ago.
The Lancaster, which took off from RAF Leeming on 5 November 1945, came down on the slopes of Beamsley Beacon, tragically killing four of the eight crew members. The remaining four survived the crash, which occurred just months after the end of the Second World War.
The restoration was carried out ahead of a special memorial service to be held at Bolton Priory at 11:30 am on Wednesday 5 November, marking the 80th anniversary of the tragedy.
This year’s commemoration will be especially poignant, with descendants of the crew of the aircraft travelling from Canada to attend. The families will visit the crash site and memorial, where they will lay wreaths, before joining representatives from service and veterans’ organisations at the church service.
Following the service, family members will travel to Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate, where the airmen who lost their lives in the crash are buried.
Sam White, who initiated the creation of the original memorial on Beamsley Beacon and is leading the 80th anniversary commemoration, said:
“I’m delighted that what began simply as a project to ensure these airmen — who had served their country and were likely only months away from returning to Canada — would not be forgotten, has now grown into something much greater.
It’s become an occasion where the families of the crew will be able to gather together for the first time, to remember the service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives, and those who were badly injured, on that day almost 80 years ago."
The event reflects the enduring bond between Yorkshire communities and their wartime allies, ensuring the sacrifice and service of the Canadian aircrew are never forgotten. The public is warmly invited to attend the service at Bolton Priory, Bolton Abbey.
Spellman Care support Airedale Hospital & Community Charity's Easter Appeal
Skipton MP heads to Westminster to talk challenges within hospitality sector
Skipton man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against children
The Geek Side announces closure before 10th anniversary
Skipon Multisport Festival to be held this May
Local attractions to close as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for wind
17 year old arrested following high speed pursuit from Skipton
The Coniston Hotel to remain under family ownership
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer
Appletreewick pub shortlisted in Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned
Skipton children’s charity collaborates with luxury makeup brand
Police appeal after two vehicle collision in Skipton
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Nominations open for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Governor elections
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign
Community Centre in Silsden to hold two day sale fundraiser
Search for missing man continues
Skipton MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
