Americans Enjoy A Memorable Afternoon With Visit To A War Memorial And High Tea

Published on: 16 Sep, 2014
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2014

Guildford welcomed four visitors from the USA in style, when they came to visit a memorial to four American airmen who died when their aircraft crashed at Jacobs Well in 1944, during the Second World War.

From left: Merle Crabb, Edward Sandidge, Sue Sandidge and Marvella Crabb, at the memorial in Jacobs Well.

Not only did Worplesdon Parish Council arrange a short service of remembrance for the visitors, but afterwards treated them to tea with the mayor in the Guildhall.

On Monday, September 15, Edward and Sue Sandidge and Merle and Marvella Crabb stopped off in Guildford while holidaying in the UK. They especially wanted to visit the memorial to the airmen in Clay Lane, as Mrs Sandidge is a niece of the pilot’s wife who died when his aircraft, nicknamed Lilly Bell II, crashed on October 25, 1944. Click here to see the full story of Lilly Bell II and its crew.

The story of the crash, the archaeological dig that took place in 2008, who the four young airmen were, and the memorial to them (unveiled in 2010), has been a long and fascinating piece of research, that’s still ongoing, by historian Frank Phillipson and assisted by David Rose.

The Sandidges, who live in North Carolina, contacted Worplesdon Parish Council clerk Gaynor White several months ago saying they would be in the UK in September and could they meet up when they came to Guildford. The parish council was delighted and offered to hold a short service of remembrance and arranged for them to visit the memorial and the field in Clay Lane where the cargo aircraft crashed.

David and Frank were on hand to give the visitors details of what happened on that fateful day nearly 70 years ago.

Dr Paul Cragg (right) leads the service at the memorial.

The chairman of Worplesdon Parish Council, Dr Paul Cragg, led the service that about 30 people attended, with piper Kenneth Thompson playing a lament.

Piper Kenneth Thompson.

The group then went into Guildford where they enjoyed a tour of the Castle Grounds, with David Rose pointing out aspects of its history, and then adjourned to the Guildhall, courtesy of the borough council. Here they were met by the mayor, David Elms (who is also a member of Worplesdon Parish Council).

Inside the Guildhall. Back row, from left, Worplesdon parish clerk Gaynor White; borough and parish councillor Bob McShee; the Mayor of Guildford, David Elms; Worplesdon parish chairman Dr Paul Cragg; local historian David Rose. Front row: the American visitors and far right Ann McShee, admin assistant, Worplesdon Parish Council.

Before sitting down to a traditional English high tea, they learned some of the Guildhall’s history. Over tea, Mr Elms told them about the role of mayor and the duties he undertakes and some of the events and functions he has recently attended.

One for their album! The American visitors pictured on the balcony of the Guildhall with the mayor.

The visitors then stepped out on to the balcony of the Guildhall for a view of the High Street and further photos.

The parish council presented each couple with a copy of the words spoken at the service on Monday and a copy of its book on Worplesdon.

Later on Monday, Edward Standidge emailed parish clerk Gaynor White thanking everyone for a memorable afternoon. He wrote: “To all our new British friends: we cannot express how much we enjoyed and appreciated your hospitality today. The dedication ceremony was right on the mark and the afternoon tea was spectacular. I hope that we may meet again someday. ‘We shall remember'”.

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