Liberator Memorial Service – Lest we Forget

On the 12th August 1944, a US Air Force B24 Liberator bomber commanded by 2/Lieutenant John D Ellis crashed on farm land in Cheshunt, killing all ten airmen on board, an incident commemorated in the name of the road, Lieutenant Ellis Way.

It is believed that the bomber suffered a mid air collision resulting in catastrophic damage. It crashed into a field belonging to Maxwells Farm, caught fire and exploded, killing all ten crewmen.  It was widely believed that Lieutenant Ellis and his crew had deliberately steered their plane away from the built-up areas of Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, sacrificing their chance to bale out to safeguard the civilian population.

The memorial of this event stands outside the school gates and a service of remembrance takes place each year.

Wreaths are laid at the memorial, and one is laid by students of the school on behalf of the young people of Cheshunt and Waltham Cross.  This year, Kai, Poppy and Bailey laid the wreath and the organisers were extremely impressed by the respect they showed.