A COMMEMORATION event held in memory of those killed when the first German aircraft was shot down over Britain during WWII has marked its 75th anniversary.

On Sunday, February 1, members of the RAF, Air Training Corps, Royal Air Forces Association and civic leaders paid tribute to members of 43 Squadron, who shot down the German aircraft near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Syd Graham, from Royal Air Forces Association northern area, organised the event at the memorial site, north of Whitby, and said its aim was to remember not only the airmen who defended Britain during WWII , but also the fallen crew members of the German aircraft.

Those injured included Flight Lieutenant Peter Townsend, who became famous in later life for his relationship with Princess Margaret.

Personnel from RAF Fylingdales and RAF Linton-on-Ouse paraded alongside members from local Air Cadet squadrons.

The chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr Tim Swales, the mayor of Scarborough, Cllr Pat Marsburg, and mayor of Whitby, Cllr Heather Coughlan, also attended.

Mr Graham said: “Prayers were said, the Last Post played and wreaths were laid at the memorial in biting winds, with more than 40 guests facing the elements to pay their respects.”

The event paid tribute to those who were killed or injured on February 3, 1940, when a Heinkel 1-11 was on a spotting mission to find a British shipping convoy travelling down the east coast of England.

Flight Lieutenant Mike Lumsdon from RAF Linton explained: “The Heinkel’s crew – pilot Herman Wilms, observer Rudolph Leushacke, engineer and gunner Johann Meyer, and radio operator and gunner Karl Missy – would achieve a measure of historical significance before the day’s end.

“As the raiders flew over the greyness of the North Sea, three RAF Hurricane fighters of B Flight, 43 Squadron waited at Acklington, Northumberland.

“They were scrambled to try and intercept the German aircraft attacking an unarmed trawler off Whitby, and the three RAF pilots, Flight Lieutenant Peter Townsend, Flying Officer ‘Tiger’ Folkes and Sergeant Jim Hallowes sped southwards at full throttle in search of the raider.

“When they arrived, they spotted the Heinkel and banked to close-in on their target.

“Townsend fired first, killing Leushacke in the first burst of gunfire and damaging one of the Heinkel’s engines. Folkes attacked next followed by Hallowes, and both Meyer and Missy were badly injured during these attacks.

“Meyer struggled to control the German aircraft and attempted to crash land on the east coast two miles away.

“He finally crashed landed next to Bannial Farm, snapping through a telegraph pole, finally coming to a halt within yards of one of the farm cottages close to the current memorial site.

“Meyer died later that day after being operated on in Whitby. His body and that of Leushacke were buried with military honours at Catterick.

“Missy had his right leg amputated but survived the war along with Wilms, the only crew member not to be injured.”