Norton Disney 'On Freedom's Wings' Lancaster Memorial

Could you help us fill in the inscription?

Lancaster I R5689 of 50 Squadron, coded VN-N, departed Swinderby at 0130 on 19 September 1942 on a gardening (minelaying) operation in the Baltic. On final approach to return, both port engines failed simultaneously. The pilot attempted to land but the aircraft crashed into Thurlby Wood, three miles from the base.

Four crew were killed: Flight Officer George William Marshall Harrison RAAF, who is buried in Thurlby St Germain churchyard; Sergeant Sidney Charles Garrett, the flight engineer, aged 22, buried in Bournemouth East Cemetery; Sergeant Harry Male, aged 30, buried in Halesowen Cemetery; and Sergeant James Reginald Gibbons RCAF, the air gunner, aged 24, buried in Newark-upon-Trent Cemetery. Three crew survived injured: Sergeant E.J. Morley RAAF, Sergeant J.W. Dalby RAAF, and Sergeant J. Fraser RCAF.

R5689 was one of the most photographed Lancasters of the war. The 'On Freedom's Wings' sculpture, which one of the world's largest aviation memorials, was built on land adjacent to the crash site to honour all Bomber Command aircrew.

Former Newark mayor Laurence Goff raised over £20,000 for the sculpture, including a tandem skydive. Trustee Ady Longmate was a driving force behind the project. Local residents Pete Buckingham, Claire Hartley, Teresa Martin and Glenn Rothwell are credited. The Bomber County Gateway Trust owns the sculpture.

Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.