A MEMORIAL commemorating a fatal plane crash that killed six American military personnel almost eight decades ago will be unveiled later this year.

On July 3 – two days before the 78th anniversary – a plaque remembering the crew of the Flying Fortress will be unveiled during a special ceremony.

In 1944 the bomber plane clipped its wing on the roof of Burbidge’s Bakery, before careering off into nearby fields.

The crash was branded the worst of its kind across the district during the wartime years. All six crew members aboard the plane died, while two residents on the ground were treated for minor injuries.

READ MORE: Parent reacts to looming closure of Hatherden Primary School

And now a memorial plaque and accompanying monument will be unveiled at the site of the crash.

History enthusiast Peter Curtis has spent around two decades researching the crash - he was one of the first on the scene.

Peter, who lived in Weyhill Road at the time, said: “I was a nine-year-old at the time getting off the school bus when it (the plane) crashed in front of us.”

All six crew members were American, and much of Peter’s research, which was carried out alongside fellow Andover-based history enthusiast Doug Morley, centred around naming those men.

The researchers have now been able to connect with the family of one of the victims, S/Sergeant Tilgham ‘Tim’ Williams, a gunner and engineer of Duval County, Florida.

“It was his nephew that picked up on this over the internet and he hopes to be able to be across that to be present at the unveiling,” Peter said. “It’s a big bonus.”

SEE ALSO: Mayor to host special event for victims of double train crash

Peter, Doug and Steve Burbidge, whose great grandfather was running the family bakery back when the plane collided with it, have been in contact with organisations who they hope will be present at the ceremony.

During the ceremony, the Mayor of Test Valley will be present, along with the Minister from St Michaels and All Angels church, who will give a blessing.

Six children from Portway School will also be in attendance to pay respect as most of the debris from the crash, including the plane, landed on the field where the school now sits.

It is hoped that an exhibition with much of Peter and Doug's research will be held on the day as well.

Peter said that there is a “sense of achievement” but he added: “I feel sad in a way that we are trying to pay respect to a generation that put their lives on the line and ended up being killed in an air crash in Andover.”

Speaking about why he has carried out the research and championed the memorial, Peter said: “The crash stayed with me. The American forces had a big presence in Weyhill Road in the 40s. As a nine-year-old they would always talk to us, and the flight path virtually went passed our bedroom window – my brother used to count them (the planes) out and back in again.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.