On Tuesday 19th November, we had the privilege of being part of a deeply moving remembrance service at St James’ Church in Buttermere. The service marked 80 years since eight Royal Canadian Air Force airmen tragically lost their lives when their Wellington bomber crashed on Red Pike during a training flight in 1944.
It was humbling to stand among so many others, united in paying tribute to these young men who gave everything so far from home. And now, thanks to a beautifully crafted memorial plaque made from our own Honister green slate, their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
A Beautiful Service
The service was led by the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, with contributions from Revd Barbara Robinson, who arranged and coordinated the event, Revd Charles Hope (Rural Dean), Revd Canon Jane Charman, and Revd (Sqn Ldr) Paul Sweeting.
Deputy Lieutenant Dr Jim Cox unveiled the plaque in front of a congregation of dignitaries, local residents, and supporters who gathered to honour the memory of the fallen airmen and reflect on their service.
Members of the Keswick Mountain Rescue team were also present to pay their respects, a poignant reminder of the continuing bravery and dedication of those who work to save lives in the fells, just as their predecessors assisted in the recovery mission following the crash in 1944.
Remembering Their Story
The crash on 16 June 1944 occurred during a cross-country training flight. Poor weather conditions threw the crew off course, ultimately leading to their tragic death when the aircraft struck Red Pike. All eight crew members were killed instantly.
These men - Pilot Officer Albert Digby Cooper, Flying Officer Frederick Allen Dixon, Flight Lieutenant Emil Unterseher, Flying Officer Daniel Titleman, Sergeant George McCrimmon Anderson, Flying Officer Roy Edward Simonson, Warrant Officer George Richard Coathup, and Sergeant Campbell McRae Hodges - were far from home, serving with immense bravery.
RAF Mountain Rescue teams, along with local civilians, undertook the challenging recovery mission. Their efforts reflected the resilience and strength of the Lake District community during such difficult times.
Crafting a Memorial
The idea for a permanent memorial first came about in 2019, thanks to a group of local residents and a long-time visitor and supporter of Buttermere and its Church, who had been discussing the crash on Red Pike and the tragic loss of the Canadian aircrew. It was suggested that the memorial should be placed at St James’ Church in Buttermere - a location that has a clear line of sight to the crash site on Red Pike.
We were honoured when they approached us to craft the plaque from our Westmorland Green Slate. Seeing it unveiled in such a fitting setting - inside St James’ Church, with its view toward Red Pike - was a proud and poignant moment for us.
A Shared Legacy
As we stood there at the service on Tuesday, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history, but also the strength of the community that brought this memorial to life. This plaque isn’t just a tribute to the bravery of those airmen; it’s a reflection of the care and respect of everyone involved in making it happen.
We’re proud to have played a small part in creating a space where visitors can pause, reflect, and remember. It’s a place to honour not only the aircrew but also the families they left behind and the stories that should never be forgotten.
Our Thoughts
As Rob Jones, our Sales Manager, put it:
"It’s a privilege to connect Honister’s natural heritage with a story of profound courage and sacrifice. We hope this memorial stands as a lasting reminder of what these men gave and the legacy they leave behind."
If you’re visiting Buttermere, we encourage you to stop by St James’ Church to see the plaque. It’s a place of quiet reflection, with a view that connects us all to the bravery of these men and the beauty of the landscape they unknowingly became part of.
