The story of how extreme weather conditions caused planes to collide and crash, killing several crew members and two elderly women, will be recalled at a North Yorkshire cemetery open day this month.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will be opening the doors of Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery for free tours, talks, demonstrations, and interactive activities as part of Heritage Open Days 2023.
People attending the heritage days will learn about the history of the CWGC who commemorate the 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women who lost their lives during both world wars.
Tours will discuss the remarkable stories of the men and women of the Commonwealth forces who are buried at Stonefall.
Visitors will learn how CWGC staff, supporters and local volunteers preserve the unique cultural, horticultural and architectural heritage and ensure that the stories of those who died are told.
Members of the public will be invited to try their hand at stone engraving and will learn the importance of headstone maintenance as well as hearing from our horticultural experts.
Other activities will include headstone rubbing and an activity trail for children to explore.
The Heritage Open Day will take place on Wednesday, September 13, from 11am to 3pm. Further tours of the site will take place the following weekend, on Saturday, and Sunday, September 16 and 17.
With more than 1,000 Commonwealth war graves, Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery is one of the largest CWGC sites in the North of England.
Most burials are of airmen who died during the Second World War flying from the bomber command bases which were established across Yorkshire.
More than 600 of the casualties served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and they include two 17-year-olds.
Amongst the stories being highlighted at the Heritage Open Day, will be the stories of more than 30 men who were part of the bomber crew on a mission to bomb Chemnitz, Germany on the evening of the March 5, 1944.
On this night, more than 250 aircraft were in the air above the Vale of York waiting to fly out on operations.
Extreme weather conditions that were not forecast saw planes ice up. Sadly, some planes collided and others crashed to the ground.
One of the bombers crashed into Nunthorpe Grove in York killing two elderly women as well as most of the crew.
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Michele Jennings, Director of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, said: “There’ll be plenty going on from fascinating tours and talks to interactive activities such as stone engraving.
"Visitors will also learn how our charitable foundation engages thousands of people through innovative volunteering and outreach projects, providing opportunities to explore the legacy of the people, architecture, and heritage of the two world wars.”
To book a free tour at the Open Day or on September 16/17, visit www.cwgc.org/opendays
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