Lancaster Bomber R5701 Remembrance

Brunssum, the Netherlands - The local community, together with Brunssum based UK military personnel, held a memorial event to commemorate the 7 crew members of a Lancaster Bomber, R5701, from 97 Sqn RAF Woodhall Spa, which crashed in Brunssum on 5 October.

Alderman Hugo Janssen (representing the Brunssum Mayor) led a service, presided over by Chaplain (LtCol) Thomas A. Brooks (USAG), with its congregation drawn from local people, the British delegation of JFC Brunssum represented by Wing Commander Paul Scott (RAF) and Sergeant Mark Bradley (RAF)and British personnel posted to the NCI Agency at Brunssum. Tribute was paid to the Lancaster’s crew:

Flying Officer: Neville Briant DFC
Flying Officer: Leslie Dorward DFC RAAF
Flying Officer: Kenneth Harrison DFM
Sergeant: John Dawson
Sergeant: Augustus Desmond
Sergeant: Kenneth MacKay DFM
Sergeant: Albert Musgrave

The crew is buried in the Jonkerbos military cemetery in Nijmegen. However, a monument has been erected in Brunssum at Platanendreef, on the corner with Eikenlaan. This monument bears the title ‘Verstoorde Huisraad’ (household furniture in disarray).

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Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office