Memorial to Airmen killed at Pallinghurst (Rikkyo School)

7th January 1944

On Saturday 31st August 2019, just over 75 years after the tragic events of 1944, and 80 years, almost to the day, from when World War 2 began, a memorial was unveiled and a service of commemoration held for relatives and official guests (local and national).

The memorial commemorates the deaths of eight Royal Air Force men, in two planes which accidentally collided overhead, on returning to Dunsfold Aerodrome at 13.35 in the afternoon.

The memorial and the event were the work of Adam Tudor-Lane from Milton Keynes, a great grandson of one of the crew.

Rudgwick Preservation Society salutes Adam’s initiative and his dedication to the project.

We particularly welcome to this website any members of the families of the men involved who stumble upon us. We were so pleased to welcome so many of you to Rudgwick on 31st August.

Only one man was unrepresented by family at the event. He was Flt Sgt Douglas Morris from Abergavenny. If anyone reading this knows of any living relatives, please get in touch (Contacts tab).

Press release September 2019

31.08.19 - (54) — *(Chris Silk Photography)*

Unveiling of the memorial by Deputy Lord lieutenant of West Sussex, Gp Capt Derek North RAF (Retd) (Chris Silk Photography)

31.08.19 - (303) — FR396 of 180 Squadron, pilot: FO Ernest Fooks *(Chris Silk Photography)*

31.08.19 - (302) — FL682 of 98 Squadron, pilot: WO Terence Riordan *(Chris Silk Photography)*

Mitchell bomber — RAF B-25 Mitchell Mark II *(recent photograph, Adam Tudor-Lane)*

31.08.19 - (109) — The memorial service in front of the former stable block, near one of the crash sites *(Chris Silk Photography)*

31.08.19 - (206) — The memorial service continued down the hill at the second crash site; attendees are led by a piper *(Chris Silk Photography)*

31.08.19 - (279) — Adam Tudor-Lane (4th right), and members of his family in front of his great uncle (right) *(Chris Silk Photography)*

31.08.19 - (254) — The graves of the eight men are in their home town cemetery *(Chris Silk Photography)*

Memorial to Airmen killed at Pallinghurst (Rikkyo School)

7th January 1944

On Saturday 31st August 2019, just over 75 years after the tragic events of 1944, and 80 years, almost to the day, from when World War 2 began, a memorial was unveiled and a service of commemoration held for relatives and official guests (local and national).

The memorial commemorates the deaths of eight Royal Air Force men, in two planes which accidentally collided overhead, on returning to Dunsfold Aerodrome at 13.35 in the afternoon.

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