3 days ago
Canadian pilot killed in Guernsey WW2 mission remembered
A memorial service has been held for a Canadian airman who was shot down over Guernsey 81 years ago. On 5 June 1944, the day before D-Day, Lt John Saville was hit as he lead his squadron in a successful attack on a German radar in occupied year a memorial service has been held at the site of the memorial plaque on the Castle Emplacement in St Peter Port. The service was held at 08:30 BST - which is believed to be a similar time to when Lt Saville's plane was struck.
The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev Tim Barker, led the said "It's so important that we keep remembering and when we stop learning from history we place ourselves in an extremely difficult and vulnerable position." Wreaths were laid at the plaque and the service included a poetry reading from the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard McMahon. Lt Saville's plane crashed into Havelet Bay and after the safe return of all the other aircrafts in the 439 squadron a search mission was sent to Guernsey - but nothing was found. The wreck of the plane was discovered in the 1970s by local diver Mick Peters and upon further investigation he declared the site a grave in 1982.
