On Thursday 13
November, a selection of Shiplake musicians, CCF cadets and Media students
joined the Headmaster in attending a memorial service to the B17 Flying
Fortress ‘Sunrise Serenader’. The WWII bomber crashed over the fields of
Shiplake and Wargrave 71 years ago, killing nine American servicemen.
More than 100 guests
attended the memorial unveiling, held at Hennerton Golf Club where parts of the
stricken aircraft fell. In addition to two eye-witnesses of the tragedy and
family members of the soldiers, high profile guests included Home Secretary
Theresa May and Brig. General Dieter Bareihs, US Defence Attaché.
Tributes were paid
to the men who lost their lives, and Alan Purdy, the radio operator, who was able
to parachute to safety. The newly installed memorial shows the flightpath taken by the plane
and the efforts made by the crew to avoid further casualties on the ground. The
service was conducted by Reverend John Cook, vicar of St Mary’s Church in
Wargrave, with the Shiplake band
playing hymns and the national anthems of America and Britain. Director of Music
Mr Paul Jones also played both nation’s versions of the Last Post as wreaths
were laid by guests of honour.
At the request of the organisers, Sixth Formers
Carl Harris and Cameron Whitelaw kindly agreed to film the event. Their video
of the service can be viewed below:
The Headmaster
commented: “It was an honour to be invited to attend such a significant event
and serve our local community. Our CCF cadets and musicians conducted
themselves in a mature and professional manner, with the latter admirably handling
the pressure of performing in front of television cameras and distinguished
guests. Cam and Carl should also be credited for their willingness to record
the event. They have produced an excellent video for which the organisers are
extremely grateful.”
