The fifteen airmen who died in Bishops Cannings and its vicinity in WW2 were honoured and remembered today, Saturday Dec 4, in a special dedication service. The service was held in front of the memorial that was erected a few months ago by Bishops Cannings Parish Council in Horton Road opposite Cannings Hill Garage. This is the first memorial to these young men.
Despite the biting wind, a large crowd gathered for the 2 pm service which was led by Rev Richard Curtis, the vicar of Bishops Cannings. Present were representatives from 2397 Squadron (Devizes), RAF Yatesbury association, Calne RAF association, and local branches of the Royal British Legion together with members of the public and veterans.
The service began with a poignant lament, played on the bagpipes by Ruby Derbyshire. The names of all 15 airmen who perished in the area were read out and wreaths were laid in their memory. Bugler, Tim Ashton played ‘The Last Post’, a hymn was sung to ‘The Dambusters’ tune and the service ended with the National Anthem and a parade past the memorial by the standard bearers.
Bishops Cannings Parish Council funded the memorial and are proud to have done so. Cllr Kevin Toft commented, “I’m surprised that there has been no memorial before now. It’s right that we recognise the sacrifice they made. I hope the memorial raises some interest and these poor souls will be recognised and remembered. From now on a wreath will be laid at the memorial every year on Remembrance Day.”
More details about the airmen who died can be read in a previous Marlborough.news article here.
Cover Supervisor – Pewsey Vale School
