As the country remembers those who gave their lives in conflict this November, a story from Southport was remembered with a special service in Woodvale, Southport.

Back in 1944, at Segars Farm, Formby, a seven-year-old girl, Joan Braid, had gone home for lunch. While speaking to her father on the step of their cottage, she saw an American B24 Liberator approaching at a low level towards the air base. It tried to correct course and approach again but was unsuccessful. The starboard wing hit a field boundary, causing the plane to spin, crash and ultimately catch fire.

In total, 20 veterans of the 446 Bomber group were either killed or badly wounded. They were travelling to the Palace Hotel in Birkdale following completion of their missions.

Now, 80 years on, a special plaque has been unveiled to commemorate those veterans and the event at RAF Woodvale.

The plaque was blessed by Monsignor Stephen Alker, a former army chaplain and chaplain to many different veteran clubs and societies.

Joan attended the service and was joined by the Station Commander of RAF Woodvale, the Lord Mayor of Sefton, Councillor June Burns, the Station Warrant Officer and the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell.

After blessing the plaque, Mgr. Alker said: “It is always an honour to be part of things like this. It’s really important to tell stories like these and ensure we honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

Like this article? Read this and more in the latest edition of the Catholic Pic. You can pick up a copy from your local parish, or read an online version here.