Sheffield Memorial / flypast ideas
 

BZ to this chap who has tended the memorial in a Park in Sheffield since witnessing the crash as an 8 year old.
there's a request to arrange a flypast on the 75th anniversary, would be great if this could happen

A bit more information would be useful

apologies, if you click on the tweet above it takes you to a twitter thread by Dan Walker host of BBC breakfast who came across this chap in a Sheffield Park today, he was playing in the park as an 8 year old when a US aircraft crashed with the loss of all on board, and he has been tending the memorial.

Mr Walker encountered him sweeping up today, the gentleman has commented that it would be nice to arrange a flypast on the 75th anniversary on 22 Feb this year.

Get in touch with Lakenheath!

I checked the Lakenheath website. You need to contact the embassy:

http://london.usembassy.gov/dao/index.html

I would be very hopeful of a successful outcome. This is the sort of thing our best friends are very good at. Also good PR for them.

Sally B would be an ideal choice but I would think she will be on her winter maintenance

Good luck to them. Hope it comes off. Worth involving nearest RAFA Branch

I lived just around the corner from Endcliffe Park until a few years ago - I recall there was a fairly full-on ceremony there each year which included an Officer from the USAF so the site is well known to the Americans.

I watched the BBC Breakfast slot this morning, I don't mind admitting that my eyes watered up somewhat.
What a smashing bloke.

I was taken aback by this gentleman's devotion and commitment. Equally with Dan Walker's empathy and reporting. I gather things are moving now to hopefully ensure recognition as requested. BZ all involved.

You probably don't know, but RAFA organizes a memorial every year on the nearest Sunday, to which the USAF sends a representation from RAF Menwith Hill, with a senior officer laying a wreath. I haven't been myself, but I understand many local dignitaries attend this annual service of commemoration, including the Lord Lt for S Yorkshire. The BBC has made no mention of this. I believe this has upset the local RAFA a little. The campaign to have a flypast on the day of the anniversary threatens to put a spoke in the wheel of arrangements made thus far. Sunday itself is a no fly day at Lakenheath, which is no surprise, particularly at this time of year.

Perhaps expectations need to be managed.

Indeed she is, safely in H2 North at IWM Duxford. Its the sort of thing that Ellie would do if she could I'm sure though.

BBC breakfast
 

There will be a news item on this subject after 8:00 (UK time) on BBC Breakfast show this morning.