On 31^st October 2026, Karen Trew DL attended the annual Service of Remembrance at the Liberator memorial in Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt.

In August 1944, the brave actions of 2nd Lt John D Ellis and his crew saved the lives of many local citizens in Cheshunt and avoided a catastrophic disaster. An American Liberator aircraft, en route from Norfolk to Northern France, was involved in a mid-air incident above the town and the crew steered away from Cheshunt and crashed-landed in a nearby field. The plane was laden with bombs when it crashed and all ten crew members were killed. They were aged between 20-29 years.

In addition to the representatives from the US Air Force, US Military Service, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets and pupils from St Mary’s High School, other guests included: Anna Rankin, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire; Cllr Sandy Walkington, Chair of Herts County Council; Cllr Patsy Spears, Mayor of Borough of Broxbourne; Lewis Cocking, MP for Broxbourne.

Thanks to the Hertfordshire Lodge of the Legion for organising this wonderful and moving event.