In memory of the crew of Lockheed Ventura JS518 of 519 Squadron RAF Coastal Command which crashed shortly after take off at RAF Skitten on 31 August 1944
In memory of the crew of Lockheed Ventura JS518 of 519 Squadron RAF Coastal Command which crashed shortly after take off at RAF Skitten on 31 August 1944
Three of the four young men who died that day are buried in the Wick Municipal Cemetery. Two Canadians in the military row, and a Dundonian (who was married to a Wicker lass) in a private lair.
Corporal John Strachan (RAF) from Wick and Dundee, Flight Lieutenant Charles Gaines from New Brunswick , Canada (Royal Canadian Air Force), and Flight Sergeant Walter Sweetapple of Gloverstone, Newfoundland, Canada, and Leading Aircraftman John E Kennedy were all killed when their aircraft crashed shortly after take off from RAF Skitten. The first three men are buried in Wick Cemetery. John Kennedy is buried in Lambhill Cemetery, Glasgow. (information from gravestonephotos.com)
Walter Sweetapple came from Glovertown, Newfoundland (apologies for the error in the original posting)
Thank you.
We will remember them.
The headstone for Corporal Strachan has recently been fully refurbished and is now very easy to find. It is close to the Lidl entrance to the cemetery and 4 aisles in from the gate.
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