A small team headed up by Peter Barge and Eddie Harmer have spent 10 years attempting to get permission and funds to place a memorial on the crash site of two Australian Pilots who crashed in their Mosquito in bad weather after returning from a mission and attempting to land at Thorney Island.

A small plot of land has now been allocated and a design for the area agreed. All that needs to happen now is to raise £30k so a lasting memorial can be erected in memory of these two pilots.

If you would like to donate any amount it would be very gartefully received. We will post updates as we get them.

PZ453 took off at 21:15 hrs on the night of 3/4th February 1945, being part of a force of 17 aircraft from the Squadron detailed to attack enemy targets including barges, woods, and factories behind the battle area. PZ452 crashed on return from the mission. The aircraft crashed on high ground at Horndean, UK and both the crew were killed. At the time the weather was very bad over the base with the cloud base down to 100-800 feet. The Pilot was in touch by R/T a few minutes before the crash and made no mention of difficulties.

Crew:

Pilot: P/O. Edward George Wicky MiD. DFC. 422783. RAAF. Age 22. Killed

Nav: P/O. Oswald Mountford MiD. DFC. 422628. RAAF. Age 21. Killed