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Calverton

The son of a pilot killed in an air crash during WW2 travelled across the world to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the event in Calverton.

Professor Janusz Gebicki, who lives in Australia, is the son of pilot Jan Gebicki who was killed along with his crew when his plane crash landed in Calverton during the Second World War.

A memorial service to commemorate the fallen Polish aircrew was held in Watchwood Plantation on the 13th October 2015. There was also the official unveiling of an information panel funded by The Forestry Commission and The Calverton Parish Council that is placed close to the memorial site in Watchwood Plantation.

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The Consul General of Poland, Mr Lukask Lutostanki, Nottinghamshire's Deputy Lieutenant Col. Nigel Cullen OBE D.L, as well as numerous civic dignitaries and veterans of The Polish Air Force attended the service.

The Polish Cross Memorial placed in the Watchwood Plantation, Calverton, is dedicated to the night of 13-14th October 1940 when a Polish aircrew returning from a successful bombing on Boulogne, France, could not return to their airfield in Swinderby, Lincolnshire, due to attacks by German bombers. They were forced to remain in the air until their fuel was nearly all gone and  finally had to make a forced landing in dark and misty conditions. The squadron's bomber crashed at Watchwood Plantation and on landing burst into flames, killing the crew of three.

For more information please contact Mr Mick Lloyd, Branch Secretary, Calverton/Woodborough District Royal British Legion. m.lloyd@ntlworld.com