On November 13th 1943, 71 years ago the B17 “Sunrise Serenader” crashed in the riverside fields of Shiplake and on the Wargrave riverside with the tail falling in what is now Hennerton Golf Club. Nine crewmen died and one managed to parachute to safety.
A memorial to the crew will be unveiled at noon on November 13 2014 at Hennerton Golf Club overlooking the crash site, by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP in the presence of Brig. General Dieter Bareihs, US Defense Attaché.
The crash was witnessed by Jim Waldron from Wargrave who was then 14 years old and Mary Burge from Shiplake who was also 14, both of whom will assist with the unveiling of the memorial.
A part of “Sunrise Serenader” was dragged out of the Thames by fishermen in 2003 and this together with other mementoes including some of the survivor’s parachute will be on display at the Golf Club on November 13th.
The unveiling of the memorial will take place at noon with music provided by the music master and pupils of Shiplake College.
There will be a three course luncheon at the Golf Club after the unveiling for which limited tickets are available at £30 per person including wines.
All are welcome to attend the unveiling without charge whilst lunch tickets are available from Tony Elliott.
Contact: Tony Elliott
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0118 940 2701