Several people have since contacted us with more information about this crash as well as other aviation accidents in the Melton area in which crew members lost their lives.
It follows Melton man Walter Griffin’s recollection of the Wellington crash in Copley’s South field, off Saxby Road, at 7.30pm on August 13, 1944.
Walter (87) was commended for his efforts after trying to save the lives of young airmen after the bomber came down, including the rear gunner who was trapped in the burning wreckage.
Memories of the crash have prompted calls for the crew to be remembered in some way.
Among those who agree is John Collier, of Cropston, who has been studying the aviation history of Leicestershire for the last 50 years.
Regarding the Wellington crash, Mr Collier passed on information about the three young Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets, Mr Griffin being one, who received commendations from the Air Ministry for their attempts to rescue some of the crew.
Mr Collier has also kept old clippings from the Melton Times, including one referring to a letter from Air Marshal and ATC chief Sir Leslie Gossage.
His letter commended the ‘gallant actions’ of three members of 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron who tried to rescue the rear gunner – Flt Sgt R.S. Barber, Cpl Moore and Cadet W. Griffin.
Mr Collier added: “I think it would shock people to learn that from 1939 to 1945 I have details of over 500 crashes in Leicestershire.”
Meltonian Brian Fare also recalled the Wellington crash and felt a memorial would be a fitting tribute to the crew.
But he added: “It wouldn’t be right to place a memorial to this crash without remembering other flying accidents in the Melton area where air crew lost their lives.”
Mr Fare, who gave details of at least four other crashes in the Melton area between 1944 and 1945, suggested having individual memorials at crash sites which could form a Leicestershire and Rutland aviation trail.
Another crash, which happened just outside Somerby, about five miles south of Melton, on May 4, 1945, has been researched by Melton man Dean Cook.
His interest was sparked when he came across a plaque in the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Suffolk, about four years ago, giving details of the Liberator aircraft crash.
All five crew on board were killed. The cause of the accident was undetermined.
Article source: http://www.meltontimes.co.uk/community/nostalgia/more-memories-of-war-time-air-crashes-around-melton-1-4365272
