This weekend saw poignant memorial events to mark the 75th anniversary of the tragic deaths of 12 brave airmen (11 USAF and 1 RAF) who sacrificed their own lives to save the village of Isleham.

On the foggy morning of October 13, 1949, a B50 Superfortress – the world’s largest aircraft at the time – was loaded with 8000lb live bombs and fuel for a 10hr training mission.

It took off from nearby RAF Lakenheath but came into difficulty soon after, as it headed over Isleham. Instead of bailing and likely surviving, the young men, who had their own families, recognised the huge destruction that would inevitably happen if the plane were left to crash into the village and took the heroic decision to stay onboard and steer it to a field at the edge of the village.

A huge crash and explosion ensued which, according to news reports at the time, could be felt over 12 miles away. Aside from a few relatively minor injuries and damage to some buildings in the village from the aftershock, Isleham was largely unharmed, and residents remain forever indebted to the bravery of the crew.

As the coroner reported at the time, “When we think of this tragedy in the future, we should remember the gallant act of the pilot and crew of this craft.”

At the weekend, senior representatives from USAF, the RAF, local and regional councils, and relatives of the aircrew who lost their lives attended a poignant commemorative service to mark the 75th anniversary of the crash.

The Remembrance Service at St Andrew’s Church on Sunday, October 13 included memoirs and wreath laying. Col Joshua Arki of RAF Lakenheath spoke at the memorial service, as did Cllr Chris Corbin of Isleham Parish Council and Cllr Mark Goldsack of Cambridgeshire County Council.

Personal accounts of the tragedy were read by Henry Tilbrook and Jeff Stannard, great nephew of one of the crew who gave their lives, also came over from the US to attend. The previous day (October 12), local historian Stewart Evans presented a talk on the tragic events that unfolded one foggy morning on October 13, 1949

The occasion was marked by a service which was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, eye witnesses of the original event, and villagers, as well as Jeff Stannard, great nephew of the Co-Pilot, Roger M Stannard, who flew from the States, especially for the occasion.

Col Joshua O. Arki is the 48th Operations Group Commander, RAF Lakenheath reflections were emotive, suggesting that, placed in a similar situation, he said he couldn’t be certain, he’d be able to make the same sacrifice those 12 men made, for the sake of a village.

Music was supplied by several groups and soloists from the area, and wreath were laid in front of a commemorative plaque detailing the names of the crew who gave their lives, which was temporarily moved from The Beeches, especially for the event.

Crew members lost in this accident were as follows:

  1. Instructor Pilot George H. Ingham 10111A Major USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  2. Pilot John A. Dryer Jr. A02061651 1st Lt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  3. Co-pilot # Roger M. Stannard A0781696 1st Lt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  4. Navigator Robert H. Short A0801399 1st Lt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  5. VO Robert W. Chatfield A0698263 1st Lt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  6. Bombardier Paul P. Butler Jr. AF20845317 T/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  7. FE Harold S. Morin AF11024154 T/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  8. Radio operator ## Arthur L. Gilbreath AF38343744 S/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  9. CFC Delmas F. Bise AF6996842 T/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  10. Left Gunner Julius V. Odegard AF17258608 S/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  11. Right Gunner Robert C. Williams AF14057570 S/Sgt USAF 8 AF 43d Gp (M)
  12. Davis J. Garrett 1579867 S-2 RAF 3 Gp RAF