Liberator Memorial Unveiling Part 1. Part 1 of 2 uploads. See also still pictures slide show.

With thanks to event organiser David Parnell for allowing me to film this moving event.

"Liberator" Memorial Unveiling. Part 1 of 2 Part 2 click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuOv7Yrd5-s
The crew of the B-24 Liberator steered the stricken aircraft away from the town. On August 12, 1944, a B-24 Liberator from RAF Wending was on its way to perform a bombing mission when it is thought that a mid-air collision sent it tumbling from the sky with a full payload of explosives. Headed for the heart of Cheshunt, the crew bravely remained on-board to steer the aircraft clear of the town. Then 15-year-old fire-fighter Ernie Havis attended the scene. Haunted by the experience of retrieving the bodies of the airmen, he resolved to recognise their courageous act. Broxbourne resident Lee Williamson donated the funds to build the memorial. Now 80 years old, Mr Havis spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio about the events of that day. A memorial service to unveil the stone at St Mary's School, off Lieutenant Ellis Way in Cheshunt was held on the 22 January 2011 at 11.00am at St Mary's School, Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt.
Lt Ellis was the pilot of a B-24 that came down with engine trouble on the 12th of August 1944, all of the crew perished in the crash not far from where the new school has been built. It was rumoured that it was originally in collision with a 389th B-17 from Nuthampstead but this was found to be untrue.

Pilot 2nd Lt Ellis, John D.
Co-Pilot F/O Stalsby, Samuel C.
Navigator 2nd Lt Cox, Robert B.
Engineer T/Sgt Jankowski, Stanley F.
Radio Operator T/Sgt Holling, John H.
Gunner S/Sgt Hultengren, Clare W.
Gunner S/Sgt Minick, Frank Jr.
Gunner S/Sgt Cable, Jay V.
Gunner S/Sgt Shaeffer, Jack D.
Gunner S/Sgt McGinley, William C.

Some more information here
http://www.lowewood.com/cheshunt/b24-liberator-bomber-crash.html

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