On Sunday the 27th of October 2015 a memorial was unvieled for the Popplewell crew #24 on the outskirts of Legdan Germany. The crash site was marked with the Canadian flag during the ceremony, the memorial plaque/pedestal is not visible but is in the top left corner (southeast). The Popplewell crew failed to return on 29th Sept 1943. 

 

Looking northwest, German flag, with Canadian flag marking crash location.

Four flags represent the Nations involved.

Five members of the Popplewell crew are buried in the Riechswald Forest War Cemetery, many of us attending the Memorial in Legdan made the journey to Kleve Germany the previous day.

 

Left to right;

F/Sgt Wes Bailey (RCAF). Sgt Norman Harris (RAF). Sgt Trevor Davies (RAF). F/O Chet Popplewell (RCAF). F/Sgt Ron Zahl (RCAF).      P/O C.F. Kirk and Sgt. R.A. Earl became POW.

In attendance were two eyewitnesses to Halifax LK634 coming down in flames. Miss Grothe (seated left) was 14 years young, Mr. Rolver seated in wheelchair (far right).

Mr. Rolver with family.

Mr. Martin Kosters, long time Legdan resident has been researching numerous crash sites in the region. Consumed with passion, he endeavoured to make sure these courageous young men were not forgotten. 

Martin spent years researching the Popplewell crew; interviewing eyewitnesses, making contact with Brent Hamre (Chet Popplewell's cousin) and physical searches of the field and country side.

Mayor of Legdan, Mr. Freidhelm Kleweken.

Ms. Sherry Horne, her father P/O Clarence Hovey (R/AG) flew with Clary crew #16, that crew was shot down the same night as the Popplewell crew within 10 minutes by the same Luftwaffe pilot Hptm E. Prinz (Prince) zur Lippe-Weissenfeld.

Unveilling the memorial is Mr. Brian Shea and Sherry Horne. Brian's father F/O John T. Shea (Bomb-aimer) flew with Russell crew RCAF 433 Squadron, they were also shot down near Legdan. Sadly numerous crew members did not survive.

The stainless steel plaque.

Flowers were laid.

Alan Soderstrom presents a Haida print to Martin Kosters

Brian Shea gave a prayer.

Numerous Nationalities in attendance included; Dutch, Canadian, and many local residents of Legdan Germany.

Very young, to the elderly.

Approximately forty people were present, unseen is a drone that captured aerial images. Hope to add those in near future.

Legdan Mayor Mr. Freidhelm Kleweken, Ms. Sherry Horne, Alan Soderstrom, Martin Kosters.

Haida print "We Will Remember Them" was presented to everyone who travelled Overseas, or had become involved in research for the Popplewell Memorial.

Left to right; Harold Pot and Ronnie Heijink (researchers Bomber Team Boekelo BTB - The Netherlands), Ms. Sherry Horne (Niagra Falls, Canada), Martin Kosters, Eric Schaddelee (researcher BTB The Netherlands, Freidhelm Kleweken, Darrin Kingston (Lethbridge, Alberta) and father Gord Kingston (Regina, Saskatchewan), Brian Shea , Alan Soderstrom, and son Kostner (Edmonton, Alberta). Not in photo Rob Lanting (researcher BTB).

Reception at Legdan

Downstairs from reception hall is local museum, display of aircraft LK634 parts, and video history of Popplewell crew #24.

Left side of display case in no specific order; Popplewell crew image, crash site Sept 30th, Luftwaffe pilot, RPM indicator, oxygen pipe connector, model of Halifax aircraft.

Right side display case; electrical switch right of model, axis of flight column 3rd piece over, other pieces; portable oxygen bottle clip, incendiary wieght, molten aluminum, bullets and casings.

 

About 50 meters upstream from the bridge, behind the memorial.

Last fall this image was taken downstream from the bridge, crash site is to the left in narrow yellow strip. Look closely at the stream, appears a young girl looking at the crash site. White part of stream is a white gown, with blonde strands of hair in reflection, facial features, and a hair band.