Memorial Service 70 years on

B17 crash 19th June 1944

70 years ago two B17s collided over Canvey Island. One crashing at Canvey Point, three crew members being killed, the others had managed to jump from the plane. The other crashed just off the Kent coast, only one man lived to tell the tale. Of the survivors, now seventy years on, only one is still with us, Dick Andrews. Today, at St Nicholas Church, along with Dick’s daughter Barbara Tarbox and her husband, Canvey Island held a memorial service. Local dignitaries, representatives from local organisations joined Canvey islanders in a very moving service. The church was packed.

Here are just a few photos and a video from the day.

Part of the B17 Exhibition at St Nicholas Church

Janet Penn

Barbara Tarbox, daughter of the only surviving crew member reads out a message from her father, Dick Andrews, who is now 90 years old, was unable to make the trip from the USA himself.

Janet Penn