SPECIAL services to honour and commemorate the 65th anniversary of a disaster in Christchurch are set to take place in the town at the end of this week.

On Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29, local residents will take part in services, organised by former Royal Navy serviceman Joe Waterman, to remember the 16 people that died and 24 injured when three fighter bomber aircraft crashed during take-off on to houses in Foxwood Avenue in Mudeford in 1944.

The three P47D Thunderbolt fighter-bombers, which were part of the various 405th Fighter Group squadrons from the US Air Force, were operating from HMS Ravens Royal Naval Air Station in Christchurch, known as the Advanced Landing Ground No 416.

The 405th were based at Bure Homage during their time in Christchurch, taking off to attack targets in Northern France, before and after D-Day with the HMS Ravens technicians giving help with aircraft repairs and operations to the various squadrons stationed there.

On June 29, 1944, the US Air Force was mounting continuous attacks on targets in Northern France, when pilot, Second Lieutenant Vincent James from the 509 squadron, took off from the airfield in the Thunderbolt but failed to gain height, crashing on to the roof of 15 Foxwood Avenue.

Although the aircraft was destroyed, fortunately there was no fire and the pilot and residents managed to escape uninjured.

Later the same day, around 1.45pm, Lt James took off in a replacement aircraft on another strike, with a full load of two 500Ib bombs plus ammunition.

Again, his aircraft failed to rise at the end of the take-off run, crashing into 19 Foxwood Avenue.

One bomb exploded, killing the pilot and bringing down his wingman Captain William Chapman in another P47D, killing survivors of the earlier crash as well as neighbours and rescue workers.

With fire raging in the house, the ammunition left in the remains of the plane began to explode.

And among the chaos and devastation, the second bomb from Lt James’ plane exploded without warning, wiping out the Royal Navy crew including civilians, firemen and helpers.

Joe Waterman, who was part of the Royal Navy crew and is now president of the Christchurch branch of the Royal Naval Association said: “It is important that this tragic occasion is marked in a respectful way and remembered by the community.”

In 2002, Joe worked tirelessly to ensure a plaque was erected in dedication to those killed and wounded, receiving a meritorious award from the Mayor for his efforts.

The service on Sunday,June 28, at 12 noon will be held at the memorial stone at Purewell Cross War Memorial and conducted by the Rev Canon Hugh Williams.

On Monday, June 29, at 1.30pm, the Rev Helen Griffiss, vicar of Mudeford, will lead a service at All Saint’s Church in Mudeford.