A MEMORIAL to seven Second World War pilots who died in a plane crash after being shot down by German gunners has been unveiled.

Four Britons were among the crew killed in the Lancaster bomber crash when just seconds away from safety near a Colchester airfield on April 24, 1944.

Around 30 relatives of the three Canadians who died flew over to attend the ceremony in Ipswich Road, Colchester.

Chris Stanfield, of Mile End, Colchester, was the driving force behind the memorial. He had been inspired after talking to friends who witnessed the incident.

“The seven pilots deserved something to honour them by. I was delighted to help do that with the memorial,” he said.

“It has been two years in the making but was all worth it in the end.

“The service went very well. I’m glad a lot of relatives were able attend.”

Returning from a bombing mission to Karlsruhe, Germany, the aircraft was attacked by a lone Luftwaffe intruder over home territory near Diss.

With one wing engulfed in flames, the airmen attempted an emergency landing at the USAAF base at Boxted.

With thick fog severely impairing visibility, the Americans bravely rushed to their aid, lighting flares to steer in the stricken bomber.

But in spite of the heroic efforts of those on ground and in the air, the UM-K2 DV 177 crashed on the edge of the airbase, 30 seconds away from safety.

Michael Heath officially unveiled the memorial with friend David Seaborn. Mr Heath was 12 years old when, at home with his parents, looked out of the window and saw the plane crash.

“It was a ball of fire. It was shocking,” he recalled.

“We looked round the field but you could only recognise the tail-end and the two rudders of the plane. Pieces were scattered all over. Why they flew from Diss to Colchester, skipping other airfields in between, we will never know.

“But the service was excellent. There were quite a few tears shed. It was an honour to unveil the memorial with David.

“I never thought I would be doing that 69 years after.”

An Apache attack helicopter from RAF Wattisham flew over the memorial site during the service.

British, American and Canadian national anthems were all sung at the end of the ceremony.