The Andrew and Wilding Memorial Cairn and Plaque is located in the outskirts of Wallingford and was created by the citizens of Wallingford on 21 May 1960 to honour two airmen serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Standing proudly at the intersection of the two roads named after them, the Plaque (as said by the Wallingford Town Council’s website about the Wilding and Andrew Service) ‘refers to their gallantry and supreme sacrifice which almost certainly saved the lives of many of the town’s inhabitants. The Plaque is surmounted by a 426 Squadron Thunderbird Crest’, the inscription reads as follows:

On the 9th. September 1944, F/O. J.A. Wilding and SGT. J.F. Andrew of No.426 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force by remaining at the controls of their damaged and bomb laden aircraft steered it clear of Wallingford to crash and explode in open fields. Their supreme sacrifice and conspicuous gallantry almost certainly saved the lives of many of the Town’s inhabitants. These roads have been named after them and this plaque has been erected in grateful thanks by the Borough of Wallingford.

“Their name liveth for evermore”

 

This years’ service, which will take place on the Sunday closest to September 9th, is celebrating 80 years of remembrance for the two Halifax Bomber crew members Flying Officer John Archibald Wilding and Flight Engineer Sergeant John Frank Andrew who gave their lives by crashing the fully loaded bomber into fields in Newnham Murren and saving the town of Wallingford. It is extremely important that these men are not forgotten by the townsfolk, especially those who live on Wilding Road and Andrew Road. My family and I have lived on Wilding Road for almost 12 years now, and every year in September I feel honoured to be able to attend the memorial service since we are a military family and having this commemorative cairn brings up a lot of strong, heartfelt emotions. My father has laid down the RAF representative wreath for a few of years and my mother is planning to restore The Plaque to its once perfect appearance for the 80-year anniversary as it has faded after battling the elements for a long time. 

The service is attended by the Mayor of Wallingford & Town Councillors, representatives from the RCAF, RAF, Canadian House, the Andrew and Wilding family, the Royal British Legion, and others such as Scouts & Air Cadets as well as residents of the respective roads/members of the public. Dozens bow their heads for a minute’s silence, words and prayers are spoken by the reverend and community members after the laying of several poppy wreaths; the parade ends with salutes and a march of the flags. The memorial parade and service has had the occasional flypast over the years also. 

The two air men were mentioned in Dispatches for bravery, and Wilding was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Wilding and Andrew will forever be engraved into stone and engraved into the people’s hearts.