Memorial to 408 Squadron LL720 Unveiled

Relatives, representatives of Wings to Victory, the Assistant Military Attaché from the Embassy and Aircrew Remembrance Society from UK unveiled the Lancaster LL720 memorial at Paal, The Netherlands on Saturday November 9th, 2019.

There was an honour guard, pipes and drums as well as a band that played both the Dutch and Canadian national anthems. Seven relatives spoke a word of thanks and laid flowers.

The Mayor of Hulst and two relatives of crew members (Dramnitzki and Bonneville) unveiled the stone by removing the Canadian flag that was covering it. A horn blower played the Last Post; followed by two minutes of silence; then, the bagpipe played a Lament. Jaap Geensen told the story of what happened on 20 February 1944 and how the LL720 eventually was identified. Wings to Victory arranged a fly-past by a Folke Wulf at the end of the ceremony. The relatives of the F/Lt E.S. Winn had arranged a framed picture which will be placed in the restaurant.

From the restaurant there is a direct view on the crash location, behind the beacon. On the next day a  memorial service was held in the Protestant Church of Kloosterzande.

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One Thought to “Memorial to 408 Squadron LL720 Unveiled”

  1. Christopher Watts

    Unfortunately there is an error on this plaque regarding the rank of Reginald Herbert Wade.

    The Plaque lists his rank as F.S. but he was commissioned P.O. as is reflected multiple times in his library Archives file, his grave, his funeral program etc.

    In an effort to have this error corrected I have been corresponding with multiple individuals including representatives from the municipality as well as the outfit that did the archaeology but no one seems to be able to knowledge who is responsible for the plaque.

    I will email the chairman email address provided in hopes that your organization can investigate.

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