17^th August 2024

Ceremony in memory of the crew of Lancaster LL727

514 RAF Squadron

Sainte-Eusoye (Oise)

                                                                                                                                Copyright © 2024 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
                                                                                                           En français

     In the hamlet of Sauveleux, near the crash site of Lancaster LL727, 514 RAF Squadron, which fell in June 1944, a ceremony in honour of its crew was organised by the Hauts de France Region, the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde, Pierre Dugrosprez, Mayor of Sainte-Eusoye and his municipality, and the ASAA-Oise.

     Guests and members of the public who attended the ceremony also included Mady Dorchies-Brillon, regional councillor responsible for heritage and remembrance, Eric Tribout, vice-president of the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde and Denis Pype, regional and departmental councillor, as well as numerous flag bearers from patriotic associations.

     For this tribute, we had the great honour of welcoming Roland Rippingale, (one of the sons of F/Sgt. Eric Rippingale), and his wife Lynn, who had come from England.

On the right : Lynn and Roland Rippingale

     After a few words of welcome from Mr Dugrosprez, the village mayor, the ceremony began.

     The story of the mission and the fate of the eight members of the crew were recounted to the entire audience. Micheline Levieille-Lefèbvre, who was 12 years old in 1944 honoured us with her presence. It was at Micheline's parents that the Canadian pilot, Louis Greenburg, found refuge after landing by parachute.

Mme Micheline Lefèbvre

     The elected representatives then spoke in turn. Mme Dorchies underlined her respect and admiration for the British people, who had been able to create an air force in the midst of a world conflict to defend the freedom of invaded countries, adding ‘this ceremony is the mark of the deep friendship that forever unites our nations.

     The stele in memory of the crew was then unveiled by the village children. The names of the eight airmen were read out. After a minute's silence, the Canadian, British and French national anthems were played.

          This day of tribute to the airmen of the Royal Air Force ended with a glass of friendship offered by the municipality of Sainte-Eusoye.

14^th April 2011 - Visit of F/Sgt. Eric G. Rippingale family