13 September 2025
Ceremony in memory of the crew of Halifax LW675
RAF 578 Squadron
Thieux (Oise)
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En français 
On 13 September, a series of commemorations in memory of several Allied bomber crews took place at the initiative of the Hauts-de-France Region and the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde.
The first commemoration was held in the commune of Thieux, at the very spot where the Halifax LW675, RAF 578 Squadron, crashed on the night of 12 to 13 June 1944.
Welcomed by Mrs Guigot, mayor of the village, in the presence of a large crowd surrounded by elected officials from the region and the department, as well as representatives of patriotic associations, a memorial stone was unveiled at the crash site. Our Association recounted the history of the mission and the tragic end of some of the crew members. We were honoured by the presence of descendants of the Bertin, Martin and Delamare families. At the time, these families had come to the aid of the two survivors of the bomber, despite the risks involved. Also among us were a few elders from the village who have always remembered this tragedy after visiting the crash site the next day when they were just young children.
The memorial stone engraved with the names of seven British airmen will now serve as a reminder of their sacrifice for our freedom.
The entire procession then made its way to the village cemetery where the five crew members who perished are buried. Surrounded by her family, we had the honour of welcoming 93-year-old Mrs Huguette Noblecourt, the only surviving witness to the presence of the two rescued airmen when they were staying with her parents (the Martin family) in Thieux.
Mrs Huguette Noblecourt, centre.
Wreaths were laid on the graves. After the Last Post and a minute's silence, the British and French national anthems were played. The ceremony ended with the flag bearers saluting in front of the graves.
