Two wartime aviators who perished when their aircraft was diverted away from a populated area have been commemorated more than eight decades after the incident.
Flying Officer John Wilding and Flight Sergeant John Andrew were piloting a Halifax bomber on September 9, 1944, when the aircraft encountered difficulties while traversing above Wallingford.
Following the emergency, the remaining crew members were able to parachute to safety.
However, both pilots remained at the controls and guided the aircraft away from the town before it came down at Newnham Murren, resulting in their deaths.
The community marked the anniversary of the officers’ actions on Wednesday, September 9, with a period of silence arranged by Wallingford Town Council.
A separate commemorative gathering took place on Sunday, September 13, honouring the sacrifice made by the two aviators 82 years earlier.
A memorial cairn situated at the junction of Wilding Road and Andrew Road serves as a permanent tribute to the pilots.
Floral tributes were positioned during Sunday’s solemn ceremony.
The local authority has indicated its commitment to preserving this memorial, with plans subsequently being considered to address the stone’s deteriorating condition at a council gathering on Monday.