Navigator Edwin Taylor still remembers. 60 years ago he crashed above Yzerlo.
Miraculously he bailed out and was unharmed. However, 5 of his comrades died.

Mr Taylor and his daughter are looking at a piece of the bomber that has survived.
"I have so many emotions that it is impossible to say what I am feeling."

In a low voice he says the meeting is wonderful and he is very impressed with the memorial designed by Wim Westerveld and it is a great honour for him to unveil the monument.

It was very crowded at the Huistededijk in Yzerlo yesterday morning.
Hundreds of invited and spectators were there for this impressive event.
Radio and TV were present.



At the centre was 81 years old Edwin Taylor, the only survivor of the Stirling bomber which crashed here on June 26 1943.
Five airmen died,two survived.Taylor tells;
"I remember the crash very well, like yesterday, but it was dark in the middle of the night, so I do not recognize the actual place" He is looking at the potato field and remembers that in 1943 there were also potatoes in this field.

Mr Taylor looks at the few remains of the bomber which were found on the field years after the war.
In vain he tries to remember which part of the plane the parts came from.

The memorial stands near to the place were the crash occurred.



On a plate near the memorial the designer Wim Westerveld has provided a rationale for the design:The white stone globe represents the earth,the metal figure represents a flame as well as a dove.
There are no countries indicated on the globe as the threat of losing peace and freedom is a reality for everyone on earth.


Mr and Mrs Willis and their son.

On behalf of the British Embassy and the allied forces, a red memorial wreath of poppies was laid at the monument.
60 years ago flowers were also laid at the cemetery Berkenhove,but these flowers were quickly removed by the occupier.

A poem chosen by children was presented, and speakers included the Mayor of Aalten and Jan van Schijndel.
Balloons with peace wishes were released.



A four motored Lockheed airplane gave a salute as it flew at a low level over the field.

Navigator Edwin Taylor came to Yzerlo in company of his daughter.

       Edwin Taylor, with his daughter Colette, back in Yzerlo.

Also attending were Mr and Mrs Willis and their son.
Mrs Willis is the sister of the pilot of the bomber - Bernard Church


Thanks to Edwin- and Colette Taylor for information and translating.