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A few months ago I contacted you about a memorial service which would be held in Beverlo to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the bombing of the village of Beverlo. The bombing was not a succes. The actual target for that operation was the military camp of Bourg Leopold, which housed about 10.000 German troops.
Through falsly forecasted winds the airfleet dropped their bombs on the village of Beverlo, 3 miles south of the camp. 80 civilians died that night. Two weeks later Bourg Leopold was bombed again, this time the operation was a complete success. Until now it is not known how many Germans died that night. Estimations go between 2000 to 7000.
One of the aircraft that were on ops that night was Lancaster LL 792 PO-E piloted by G/C John Balmer. The aircraft was shot down and exploded over the target in its bomb run. The entire crew got killed. 8 men were on board.
A few years ago a amateur filmcrew ( of which I was part) made a documentary about the raids on Beverlo and Bourg Leopold (28 May). On September 27th 2002, we found back one of the engines of the unfortunate plane.
In the weekend of May 29 & 30th 2004 a memorial celebration was held and the engine was revealed as a monument to commemorate the victims of war.
Over the last year I spent my time searching for family members of LL 792. I can say I have been successful.
8 family members of 3 of the aircrew attended the service.
There was also an exhibition of the other parts that were found and of photos taken after the raid and of the victims.
On the picture from left to right:
John Ward, cousin of John Ward
Roger Tuck, husband of Angela Hare
June Ward, wife of John Ward
Olive Ward, sister-in-law of John Ward
Joseph Connelly, son of Joseph Connelly
Angela Hare, half-sister of Roy Hare
Margaret Ward, sister-in-law of John Ward
Rita Ward, sister-in-law of John Ward
The monument is now in the Community Center of Beverlo, Belgium

The other photo is a photo that was found the day after the bombing next to a body of an airman. We don't know who it was. Perhaps someone who visits the site recognises this picture?