Wincanton Remembers the Crash of Old Faithful

In an exceptionally well-attended and moving ceremony on Sunday 22nd June 2014, the people of Wincanton and Bayford met at the Wincanton War Memorial to pay their respects and remember the sacrifice of the US airmen who all died when their Flying Fortress, Old Faithful, crashed near Stoke Trister after being bravely steered by its pilot so as to avoid the town seventy years ago.

They were also joined by two of the crew’s surviving relatives who had flown over especially from the US. Ann Funk, who is pilot Peter Mikonis’ sister, is now 90 years old and was accompanied by her daughter Tara Funk-Grim.

Poppy wreaths were laid by the Mayor, Cllr Deryck Lemon, Eldred Parsons (representing Stoke Trister Parish Council), Mrs Funk (on behalf of the family) and Tony Goddard (chairman of Wincanton Royal British Legion).

The Union flag and United States flag was carried by local Army and Air Training Corps Cadets along with neighbouring Royal British Legion branch standards. Students from King Arthur’s gathered around the War Memorial and a student from the school played Last Post & Reveille.

The service was led by the Revd Nigel Feaver and an address was given by Father Louis Beasley-Suffolk. Music was provided by the Wincanton Silver Band who laid on a concert in the Memorial Hall after the ceremony.

This will probably be the last time that a full commemoration of this event will be held, though the memorial still stands and they will not be forgotten.

Comments

Login to comment!