Memorial to US airmen killed in mid-air collision

A memorial has been unveiled to commemorate decorated American combat veterans killed in a mid-air collision in Lincolnshire 80 years ago.

Seven men were killed in the collision during a training flight over Carlton Scroop, near Grantham, on 18 December, 1944. Three men survived.

The squadron's mascot Dalmatian dog also died from injuries sustained in the collision.

The event, held at Sudbrook Moor Golf Club in Carlton Scroop, attracted about 100 people, including the families of the men, along with British and American service personnel.

The incident involved a US Air Force 61st Troop Carrier Group C-109 and a B-24 Liberator - Lazy Lou.

Staff Sgt Stanley Wells, 22, who was a radio operator, died in the crash.

He had married a girl from Lincoln less than a month before the incident and the couple were expecting a baby.

The C-109 came down close to the village school in Carlton Scroop and wreckage fell in a field next to what is now part of the golf club.

The second aircraft tried, but just failed, to reach RAF Cranwell.

Local author David Bristow has written a book about the incident - titled What Happened to You Lazy Lou?

"This memorial will now be a permanent tribute to men who came to help us fight for freedom, survived the worst of the war in 1944 and yet never made it home."

The book is named after one of the aircraft and prompted by a narrow escape for his father - then a pupil at the primary school.

"The aircraft narrowly missed the school otherwise he might have been killed, and, of course, I would not be here," he added.

Ernest Ward Jnr, the son of crash survivor Tech Sgt Ernest P. Ward, travelled from Texas to attend the memorial event.

Speaking at the unveiling, he said: "I am truly grateful to see such a commemoration of the American aircrew who died that day.

"My father survived and lived a long life, but we must always remember those who did not."

As well as photographs of both crews, the memorial features a tribute to Major Jerry - the Dalmatian dog belonging to Lt Col Lewis Frederick.

Major Jerry had travelled with Col Frederick for campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and northern Europe.

It was said he could spot other aircraft in the air before the crew, and it was considered good luck to rub his back.

Col Frederick was killed when Lazy Lou crash landed and broke up near North Rauceby.

Major Jerry was thrown clear, but badly burned when he ran back to find his master and later died of his injuries.

South Kesteven District Council supported the event as part of its military heritage commemorations.

Councillor Rhea Rayside, cabinet member for people and communities, said: "The memorial will be a lasting tribute to the amazing men who fought as our allies."

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