Some of you may be aware of the tragedy that occurred in Long Ashton on November 21, 1944, when a Halifax bomber piloted by a Polish aircrew crashed into a field behind All Saints Church in Long Ashton to avoid densely populated areas. Unfortunately, all seven airmen perished.

To this day, the residents of Long Ashton commemorate the sacrifice of these brave airmen, whose names are engraved on the village war memorial and on plaques at the church cemetery.

Text on the memorial:

In remembrance of the Polish airmen who lost their lives
when their Halifax bomber crashed in a field adjoining this
churchyard in the night of the 21st November 1944

The plaque lists also the names of the crew as:

Jerzy Kisielewicz,

Jan Małkowski,

Witold Ruciński,

Jan Radoński,

Franciszek Kruszczak,

Stanisław Jurka,

Stanisław Jaguszczak.

The men are buried in the Polish Air Force Cemetery in Newark-upon-Trent in Nottinghamshire.

Thursday, 6 June, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, during which Allied forces conducted the largest seaborne invasion in world history, in which the Polish armed forces made a significant contribution.

At 9:00 PM in Long Ashton and towns across the United Kingdom, the courage and sacrifice of those participants will be remembered. During the ceremony, the entire country will light lanterns/beacons.

The names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, including the seven Polish airmen, will be read out. The organisers in Long Ashton have invited the Scouts to lay seven wreaths at the memorial in honor of these airmen.

The programme:

18.30:   Fish and Chips will be available at the Event, from King Fin Catering of Bristol. The Hog Roast from Market Kitchen will also be there, together with a Mobile Bar.

19.00 – 21.00:   The Polka Dot Peaches and the All Saints Choir will provide Musical Entertainment.

21.00:   The Royal Marine Honour Guard will take their place at the Cenotaph and the Nailsea Scout and Guide Band will march in and Assemble The Drumhead Altar, ready for the  Remembrance Service

21.15 Lighting of the Beacon, which, at the Request of HM the King, will form part of  the National Chain of Beacons.

After the Beacon Lighting the Drumhead Service will continue, with wreaths being laid to our Fallen, including the Seven Polish Aircrew killed when their Halifax Bomber crashed in Long Ashton.

22.00 The Service will bring the Evening, when the Royal Marines will march off, and the Drummers dismantle the Altar.

WHEN: Thursday, 6 June 2024, 18.30-22.00

WHERE: Long Ashton, Peel Park BS41 9ED