The story of a Leeds plane crash which claimed the lives of seven airmen
On this day in November 1944: The night a Halifax Bomber crashed in Leeds killing all seven airmen
It was a crash over the skies of Leeds witnessed by an unsuspecting teenager.
Halifax Bomber, LK 844, crashed during a night training exercise over Tingley on November 14, 1944, claiming the lives of all seven crew.
It had taken off from the RAF Station at Snaith but lost control after getting into difficulties.
It hit the ground spreading wreckage in it's wake. Some houses in the vicinity were damaged, two in particular on Thorpe Lane View were virtually demolished. Luckily there were no serious injuries on the ground.
It was a tragedy that unfolded in real time for 14-year-old Walter Townend, then a student at Morley Grammar School.
Walter was determined to get a memorial in place for the men. This was realised in November 1989 in the presence of some of the relatives of the dead airmen.
The dedication was made by the Reverend Terry King, Vicar of Woodkirk before a crowd of over 250 people.
The unveiling was performed by two airmen who had flown the Halifax Bomber on 21 operations, George Booth from Stoke on Trent and Ricky Pearce from Market Weighton. After the service an exhibition was held at Woodkirk Valley Sports and Social Club.
In 1990, seven cherry trees were planted, one for each of the young crew members, and daffodils.
In 1997 local nurserymen donated 1,000 Crocus bulbs which the children and head teacher of Blackgates School helped plant.
The stone memorial stands by the Bradford Road (A650) close to Tingley Roundabout.