Greatstone B24 Liberator Crash Memorial
The Forgotten Heroes of Greatstone: Remembering the B24 Liberator Crash of 1944.
On a seemingly ordinary stretch of beach in Greatstone, Kent, lies a story of heroism and sacrifice that has become woven into the fabric of local history. The Greatstone B24 Liberator Crash Memorial stands as a silent sentinel, honoring the brave crew of an American bomber that met its fate on these shores during World War II.
On June 20, 1944, just two weeks after D-Day, the skies over the English Channel were alive with Allied aircraft. Among them was B24J Liberator Bomber 42-95191, part of the 2nd Division’s force targeting V1 rocket launching sites in the Pas-de-Calais area of France.
Lt. Charles Stevens and his crew were at the controls when disaster struck. Their aircraft took a direct hit from an 88mm shell, devastating the nose section. Despite the catastrophic damage, Stevens managed to keep the crippled bomber airborne long enough to reach the English coast.
With options dwindling, Stevens made the decision to attempt an emergency landing on Greatstone beach. The bomber plunged into heavy seas just offshore, almost directly opposite the Jolly Fisherman pub. The crash site became the final resting place for these courageous airmen.
The plane remained in the bay for a number of years before sinking beneath the silt.
For years, the crash was a poignant memory for Greatstone residents. Local man Colin Clayton took it upon himself to ensure these heroes were not forgotten. He established and maintained a memorial in the Greatstone car park, a labour of love that evolved over time.
The memorial’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. This unassuming and heartfelt memorial suddenly disappeared. In the summer of 2010, it was removed for reasons unknown. But the community’s determination to honor these fallen airmen prevailed. Today, a new memorial stands, different in form and location but unchanged in its solemn purpose.
It reminds us of the nature of World War II and how its impact reached even small coastal towns like Greatstone. It stands as a testament to a community’s dedication to honoring those who fought for our freedom, even decades after the guns of World War II fell silent.
