A photo taken today 18th June 2023 at the memorial to Lieutenant Jensen United States Army Air Force in Lawley.
Lt Jensen was on a training flight from RAF Atcham when his aircraft a P47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft ran into trouble and was forced to crash land. He diverted his aircraft away from a local school which at the time was occupied by teachers and children. The aircraft crashed at the site of the memorial opposite the Bulls Head pub but caught fire and the ammunition aboard the aircraft started to explode.
A rescue attempt to get Lt Jensen from his aircraft by locals unfortunately failed and he was killed.
By diverting the aircraft away from the school saved many lives. An annual memorial service is carried out in his memory.
Following the service there was a flypast by a Hurricane fighter of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In attendance were Staff and cadets from 2379 Dawley Squadron ATC and they paraded the Squadron Banner as well as the Standard of Wrekin and Wellington Branch Royal Air Forces Association on my behalf while I carried the Standard of Dawley Branch Royal British Legion on this occasion.
Lest we forget.
Eddie Mansfield
Chairman and Standard Bearer
Wrekin and Wellington Branch
Royal Air Forces Association
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Standard Bearer
Dawley Branch
Royal British Legion
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