A remembrance service has been held in the Lake District to commemorate eight Royal Canadian Air Force airmen who died when their Wellington Bomber crashed on Red Pike 80 years ago.
The service was held on Tuesday at St James’ Church in Buttermere and concluded with the unveiling of a memorial plaque.
The plaque, made of Honister green slate, now stands as a lasting tribute to the crew and their sacrifice during World War Two.
The service was led by the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, and included contributions from curate the Rev Barbara Robinson, who arranged and co-ordinated the event, rural dean the Rev Charles Hope, Rev Canon Jane Charman, and Rev (Sqn Ldr) Paul Sweeting.
Deputy Lieutenant Dr Jim Cox unveiled the plaque in front of a congregation of dignitaries, local residents, and supporters who gathered to honour the memory of the fallen airmen and reflect on their service.
Tragic story remembered
The crash happened on June 16 1944 during a cross-country training flight when the crew encountered poor weather conditions, ultimately leading their plane off course.
Believing they were descending to a safe landing at Crosby-on-Eden airfield, the aircraft struck the ridge near Red Pike, killing all eight crew members instantly.
The airmen – Pilot Officer Albert Digby Cooper, Flying Officer Frederick Allen Dixon, Flight Lieutenant Emil Unterseher, Flying Officer Daniel Titleman, Sergeant George McCrimmon Anderson, Flying Officer Roy Edward Simonson, Warrant Officer George Richard Coathup, and Sergeant Campbell McRae Hodges – were part of the Royal Canadian Air Force and served with great bravery far from home.
Their names are now permanently inscribed on the plaque, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
RAF mountain rescue teams, alongside local civilians, carried out the challenging recovery mission in the days following the crash, reflecting the community’s strength and resilience during wartime.
How the remembrance plaque came about
The idea for a permanent memorial plaque was first proposed in 2019 by a group of local residents and a long-time visitor and supporter of Buttermere and its church, who had been discussing the crash on Red Pike and the tragic loss of the Canadian aircrew.
It was suggested that the memorial should be placed at St James’ Church in Buttermere – as it has a clear line of sight to the crash site on Red Pike.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed progress. By early 2024, it was decided to move forward, recognising the importance of completing the project.
Honister Slate Mine was approached to support the endeavour, crafting the plaque from their renowned Westmorland Green Slate.
The Rev Barbara Robinson played a key role in securing the necessary permissions to ensure the plaque could be installed in the church.
The remembrance service paid tribute not only to the airmen’s sacrifice but also to the families they left behind, acknowledging the enduring loss felt by those who never saw their loved ones return.
Collaborative effort
The memorial was brought to life thanks to the initial dedication of a group of individuals committed to honouring the memory of the aircrew and the one survivor of the group who committed to completing the project. Their combined efforts ensured that the legacy of the fallen airmen endures for future generations.
Rob Jones, of Honister Slate Mine, said: “It’s a privilege to have been part of this memorial, connecting the Lake District’s natural heritage with a story of profound courage and sacrifice. We hope this plaque provides a space for reflection and remembrance.”
