WWII Glider Crash Victims Remembered

On December 12th 1944, during the D Day preparations, 33 American servicemen were killed in a glider accident at Greenham Common. The glider’s two pilots, along with 31 paratroopers onboard, died at the military airbase when the glider crashed shortly after takeoff.

Colonel Wuebold of the United States Air Force has today (12/12/2006) unveiled a new street sign at New Greenham Park, Newbury at a memorial service on the 62nd anniversary of a glider crash at the former airbase.

Greenham Common Trust, the owner of New Greenham Park, has a policy of naming roads and properties on the business park after those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Colonel Wuebold, Commanding Officer of USAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, unveiled the new street sign for Jones Drive (formerly 5th Street) which is named in remembrance of Private Evan Bennett Jones.

Greenham Common Trust was contacted earlier in the year by Private Jones’ nephew, Ellis Jones III, who had hoped to be able to travel to Newbury to attend the memorial event. Speaking from his home in the USA he said: “The Jones family is extremely thankful that everyone involved is taking their time and resources to honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice to the free world. Sixty years is a long time, but we must never forget any of those that gave their life.”

Robin Hicks chairman of the Newbury Royal British Legion said: “It is an honour to remember the sacrifice that these young men made in the defence of freedom, dying under tragic circumstances, thousands of miles from their homes.”

Also attending the event were the mayors of Newbury and Thatcham.

For more information about Greenham Common Trust and New Greenham Park contact Andrew Barber on 01635 817444 or e-mail andrew@greenham-common-trust.co.uk