On Saturday 20th July at 2pm Rev Pete Even of The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy led the first service at the site of the Lonely Memorial in a field at Leasow Farm, near Weston Underwood and Mugginton. He gave a very moving description of the night that flight BD230, a Whitley Bomber, crashed into the ground when an engine failed after an aborted landing at RAF Ashbourne in the early hours 24th July 1944. All five aircrew, ages 18 to 24, were killed and three of the bodies were never found, so this is their grave. The other two were buried in CWGC graves in St Oswald’s, Ashbourne and St Helens, Lancashire. A year later, the families of the men joined together to erect the so called “Lonely Memorial” to mark the spot their loved ones died.

The service this year was attended by two relatives of the men, from Hertfordshire and Derbyshire. We were also honoured that Brell Ewart, Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire, attended and presented a wreath on behalf of The Lieutenant of Derbyshire and by reference the King. The service was also attended by air cadets and officers of ATC 620 from Belper, who also presented wreaths. (see photo). Flowers and poppy crosses were also presented by locals from the surrounding villages who attended in force. A bugler and bagpiper added to the emotion of the event. Mugginton PCC are grateful to those who organised the service and to farmer Dave Metcalf’s co-operation, who also provided transport for some across the fields.

Ashbourne Royal British Legion didn’t realise this service was happening and independently organised a service on the actual 80th anniversary date of the crash, 24th July at 6pm. When this was discovered, it was decided that both services should go ahead. The second service was organised by The Chairman of Ashbourne RBL who gave a very comprehensive talk about the state of the war at the time, the plane in use and the actual details of the crash. This time Rev Arthur Champion of DRC conducted the service. The Deputy Lieutenant, who is also President of Ashbourne RBL attended again along with other members of RBL. The Ashbourne Army Cadets were present along with a member of Ashbourne Town band who played The Last Post and Reveille. Again, lots of members of local villages, some with their dogs, attended the service. More wreaths were presented. (see photo.)

New relationships have been made and next time we’ll organise a joint service. In the meantime, Ashbourne RBL will be cleaning all the CWGC gravestones in St Oswald’s and have offered to help with maintenance of The Lonely Memorial too, as have the air cadets.

The Lonely Memorial has now returned to its usual solitude apart from the cows of Leasow Farm.