𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝-𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 A new memorial has been unveiled in Lincolnshire to honour decorated American combat veterans killed in a tragic mid-air collision near Carlton Scroop on 18 December 1944. The crash, which also mortally wounded a Dalmatian squadron mascot named Major Jerry, occurred during a training flight from RAF Barkston Heath. The ceremony, attended by around 100 people, marked the 80th anniversary of the accident, with RAF and US Air Force officers, a Guard of Honour, and two Dalmatian dogs present. The Kaddish was recited for Corporal Louis R Tolpen, a Hebrew-American radio specialist among the seven aircrew who died. Ernest Ward Jr, son of a survivor, travelled from Texas to join Danny Wells in remembering Staff Sergeant Stanley R Wells, who had married a local girl just weeks earlier. Lt Col Chris Nastal of the USAF called the honourees “the greatest generation.” The memorial, funded by Simon Hutton, was inspired by David Bristow’s research and book What Happened to You Lazy Lou? and pays tribute to the airmen and their ultimate sacrifice. Click the link below to read more and follow Lincolnshire In Focus for more regional updates. #WW2Memorial #GreatestGeneration #RAF #USAAF #Dalmatians #LestWeForget https://lnkd.in/eyM7wenK
