Fredericia Revisited
By Phil Leckenby
 
ED305, a 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron Lancaster, took off from Waddington at 1913 hours on 10th March 1943, tasked with mining the approaches to Sassnitz, a German naval base in the mouth of the Baltic. Over Jutland the Lancaster was intercepted by a Junkers 88C flown by Oberlieutenant Gerhard Rath. Severely damaged and burning fiercely, the aircraft descended to low altitude and coasted out over the Danish town of Fredericia. Just off the coast, a German reconnaissance ship pumped a further forty 20mm rounds into the stricken Lancaster and it crashed into the Lillebælt. Its final resting place was two kilometres from Middelfart and fifty metres from the bridge across Lillebælt. There were no survivors.
 
In the following days remnants from the crashed aircraft, among them flying boots, Norwegian currency notes, a fuel tank and a flying helmet, were washed ashore on a beach near Middelfart. The helmet bore the inscription “Smith”, the surname of the pilot. 
 
In August 1981, 42 years after the Lancaster was shot down, a local fisherman found parts of the wreckage marked with serial numbers, from which the Ministry of Defence was able to positively identify the aircraft and its young crew. The pilot, Sgt Brian Smith was just 21 years of age when he died. The oldest crew member was 26.
 
The Danish Defence Brotherhood of Fredericia took it upon themselves to erect a memorial to the young crew of ED305 on the shore at Lyngs Odde. The handsome granite stone bore the names of each crew member and I, along with others from the Association, had the privilege of attending the unveiling and dedication ceremony in March of 2013.
 
Ten years later, I found myself once more in Fredericia, this time to attend the 10th anniversary of that event. As ten years ago, members of the Defence Brotherhood were truly exceptional hosts. Not only had they gone to inordinate lengths to mark the occasion with dignity and appropriate ceremony but they also showed exceptional warmth in welcoming those of us who had travelled from the UK. The hospitality afforded us was almost overwhelming: we were picked up from Billund airport. driven to our hotel in Fredericia, then escorted round the town to collect a wreath and seven white roses that would feature prominently in the following day’s ceremonies. After sampling an impressive selection of local beers at Fredericia’s famous ‘Brewpub’ tavern, we were then invited to an excellent dinner hosted by Peer Petersen and his wife Hanne.  

Peter Andrew (on the right) at the Mayor's reception

The following day dawned cold but clear, with winds mercifully light to moderate. The opening event was a champagne reception at the Town Hall hosted by the Mayor, Steen Wrest. Afterwards we were driven to the harbour to embark on a coastguard cutter which would take us to the exact location where the stricken Lancaster had come down. A moving service of remembrance was held on the quarterdeck, during which seven white roses were individually cast upon the calm waters of the Lillebælt as a tribute to the seven young men who,  on the night of 10th March 1943, paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
 
During the return trip to the harbour, a traditional Danish lunch was served below decks in the warmth of the Wardroom. The food, drinks and convivial company were much appreciated, as was the warm hospitality of the marine craft’s crew.
 
Back on dry land once more, we were taken to the memorial itself where, despite a stiffening breeze and temperatures hovering just above zero, a surprisingly large crowd had gathered to witness the memorial service. Those who laid wreaths were too numerous to mention, but included representatives from the British Embassy in Copenhagen, the Commander of a Signals Regiment, the Mayor of Fredericia, a representative of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Copenhagen, various dignitaries from the Fredericia Kommune and, of course, officers from the local branch of the Danish Defence Brotherhood.

The Editor lays a wreath on behalf of 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron.

Leaving the memorial now bedecked with wreaths, we departed the shoreline for the next event, a service of remembrance held in the impressive Lyngs Church, a modern place of worship whose spectacular architecture had been inspired by a large and ancient tree which dominated the churchyard. The service was punctuated by several hymns, with splendid organ accompaniment, and featured a moving sermon delivered by the vicar. Her sermon was in Danish, a language too far for most Brits, but the overseas visitors were thoughtfully provided with a written translations afterwards. As the vicar read out the names, a small candle was lit in memory of each crew member of Lancaster ED305. A very appropriate conclusion to a memorable day.