A SERVICE took place in memory of RAF airmen whose aircraft crashed during the Second World War.

The lives of seven airmen were lost on April 25, 1944, as their Lancaster bomber was attacked by a German intruder near Diss, Norfolk.

In 2013, some friends established a memorial pillar at Safestore in Ipswich Road, Colchester, and have held a memorial service every year since.

Chris Stanfield, an organiser of the service, said: “The memorial was inspired by the memories of David Seaborn who was 15-years-old when he saw the Lancaster on fire fly past his home in Great Horkesley.

“He watched as it turned towards the Boxted airfield, later in the morning he visited the crash site.

“David has since passed away but his daughter, Carla Wheatland, who lives in Spain attended yesterday.”

The Lancaster bomber was returning from a raid in Karlsruhe, Germany, back to Wickenby in Lincolnshire when it was attacked

When it was attacked the bomber tried to carry out a landing at Boxted airfield which was an American air base at the time.

By this time the aircraft was well alight and spiralled out of control near a site that is now Severalls Business Park.

The tail plane, the only recognizable piece of wreckage ended up close to where Safestore’s reception area is now situated.

The aircraft was set on fire and was seen burning down one side by several witnesses over Colchester just before it crashed at 4.10am.

Chris added: “This year we were joined by members of the Royal Air Force Auxiliary Reserve 4626 Squadron again from Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

“They have an interest in the former 626 Squadron history. The 626 Squadron was the Squadron the crashed Lancaster belonged to.

“The 4626 RAuxAF squadron gave an address with Boxted Silver Brass Band members nearby.

“I would like to thank Lofty Tolhurst as well, who was instrumental in organising the service.”