<![CDATA[The last flight of Lancaster ED559 - Blog]]>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:29:20 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[ANZAC Day 2026]]>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:04:38 GMThttps://www.lancaster-ed559.co.uk/blog/anzac-day-2026I am indebted to Duncan Campbell for the photograph below. On this ANZAC Day, we remember the sacrifice of the Australian crew of Lancaster ED559.

Flying Officer HARRY RIDING, aged 25, born West Maitland, NSW
Flying Officer ERROL CLIFTON CRAPP, aged 24,  born Grenfell, NSW
Flight Sergeant GARNET WALTER DURDIN, aged 25, born Strathalbyn, SA

​Gone but not forgotten...
ANZAC Day 2026
ANZAC Day 2026
]]><![CDATA[2026 Anniversary of the loss of Lancaster ED559 and crew 4/5 March 1943]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:43:37 GMThttps://www.lancaster-ed559.co.uk/blog/2026-anniversary-of-the-loss-of-lancaster-ed559-and-crew-45-march-1943Another year flies past and we arrive again in early March and the anniversary of the loss of Lancaster Ed559 and her seven crewmembers. Though the years pass, the sacrifice of the crew is still remembered.

I received an email from Terry Dennett and add his lovely remarks: "I am pleased to say that yesterday, the ceremony next to Flt Lt CURLE’S grave went really well in bright Spring sunshine. Over 50 people attended with 20 Standard bearers. Two roundel wreaths were laid together with 2 bouquets of flowers from the Mayor and his Adjoint. Three local students then read in English and French the poem “High Flight”. Everyone that attended then laid a poppy on the grave and then received a 100 Sqn lapel badge. Hopefully I will receive some photos shortly."

​In remembrance of the seven crew of Lancaster ED559 lost on March 4/5 1943.
F/Lt Richard A. Curle (Pilot)  —  RAF 121280 (Age 28)                               
Sgt David A. Hart (Flight Engineer)  — RAF 567377 (Age 24)
F/O Harry Riding  (Wireless Operator)  — RAAF 403699 (Age 25)
F/O Errol C. Crapp  (Navigator)  —  RAAF 411113 (Age 24)
P/O Charles S. Challoner  (Bomb Aimer)  —  RAF 131995 (Age 37)
Sgt  Daniel L. Gooch  (Mid-Upper Gunner)  —  RAF 1336491 (Age 19)
Sgt  Garnet W. Durdin  (Rear Gunner)  —  RAAF 416149 (Age 25)
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Remembrance Day 2025]]>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:54:20 GMThttps://www.lancaster-ed559.co.uk/blog/remembrance-day-2025In remembrance of the seven crew of Lancaster ED559 lost on March 4/5 1943.

F/Lt Richard A. Curle (Pilot)  —  RAF 121280 (Age 28)                               
Sgt David A. Hart (Flight Engineer)  — RAF 567377 (Age 24)
F/O Harry Riding  (Wireless Operator)  — RAAF 403699 (Age 25)
F/O Errol C. Crapp  (Navigator)  —  RAAF 411113 (Age 24)
P/O Charles S. Challoner  (Bomb Aimer)  —  RAF 131995 (Age 37)
Sgt  Daniel L. Gooch  (Mid-Upper Gunner)  —  RAF 1336491 (Age 19)
Sgt  Garnet W. Durdin  (Rear Gunner)  —  RAAF 416149 (Age 25)

Picture
]]><![CDATA[International Bomber Command Centre June 2025]]>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:14:03 GMThttps://www.lancaster-ed559.co.uk/blog/international-bomber-command-centre-june-2025I was passing through Lincoln and popped into the International Bomber Command Centre. They currently have an impressive display of ceramic poppies near the Memorial Spire. A lovely day in Lincolnshire and as the sign close to the spire says, "Because we remember". 
Poppies at the IBCC with Lincoln Cathedral
Poppies at the IBCC with Lincoln Cathedral
Poppy Lancaster at the IBCC
Poppy Lancaster at the IBCC
IBBC Poppy Lancaster Bomber
IBBC Poppy Lancaster Bomber
Beacuse We Remember at the IBCC Lincoln
Because We Remember at the IBCC Lincoln
Australian War Memorial stone at the IBCC Lincoln
Australian War Memorial stone at the IBCC Lincoln
]]><![CDATA[ANZAC Day 2025]]>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:01:05 GMThttps://www.lancaster-ed559.co.uk/blog/anzac-day-2025On this ANZAC Day, we remember the three Australians who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Flying Officer HARRY RIDING, Flight Sergeant GARNET WALTER DURDIN and Flying Officer ERROL CLIFTON CRAPP.
From the left - Harry Riding, Garnet Durdin and Errol Crapp
From the left - Harry Riding, Garnet Durdin and Errol Crapp
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