In Memory, courtesy: The Holt Chronicle

 

On 19 August 1968, seven young airmen died in a tragic mid-air collision over Holt and were remembered exactly fifty years to the day.

 

The New Farm Aviation Heritage Group, in association with the North Norfolk District Council, brought together an event in Holt Country Park which was attended by many local residents, together with members of various Associations. A number of relatives of those involved in the crash were also present, including brothers of three of the airmen. Two of these brothers, Conrad Slabber and Michael Woolnough, unveiled a ‘story board’ which is now on permanent display in the Park’s Visitors Centre.

 

A small exhibition of remnants of the aircraft revealed the force of the explosion, which showered the town and surrounding area with wreckage. It was remarkable that no-one on the ground was killed or injured. But all thoughts were of the seven brave men who gave their lives in service of their country, as Standards were lowered and heads bowed during the poignant notes of ‘The Last Post’ followed by a one minute’s silence.

 

Following the Event in Holt Country Park, Evensong was sung at St Andrew’s Parish Church to commemorate the men who died in the 1968 mid-air collision. The Rector of Holt, the Rev Canon Howard Stoker, conducted the service attended by a packed congregation, which included representatives from RAF Marham, the RAF Association, ex-servicemen, local residents and relatives of the men who died. Refreshments were served in the Church Meeting Room and Terrace after the service.

 

 

Relatives of the deceased with (far right) PC Ian Jarvis who made first 999 call, and second from right: Dennis Woodcock, Event Organiser

 

 

This article is from the Spring 2019 issue of Confound and Destroy