A MEMORIAL to the crew of a stricken Second World War aircraft has been unveiled – 460 miles from North Berwick, the home town of one of the crew members.

Sgt James Aitken Hutchison was among the crew of the Handley-Page Hampden which came down in Felpham, near Bognor Regis, West Sussex on the night of April 14, 1942. The North Berwick 25-year-old, and three other crew members, were killed, with the cause of the crash believed to be an engine fire. And they have been commemorated with the unveiling of a plaque to mark the 75th anniversary of the tragedy.

A service took place on Easter Sunday and was organised by the Bognor Regis RAF Association and conducted by their Padre, the Rev Brian Shersby.

None of Sgt Hutchison’s relatives have been traced, but 83-year-old Derek Pallett was at the ceremony to remember his cousin, Sgt Standley Culmer, who was the pilot of the fallen plane.

And David Hewings, Bognor Regis’ Royal Air Forces Association branch secretary, has re-iterated an appeal for any relatives of Sgt Hutchison to get in touch.

He said: “Our search for relatives continues.

“We would very much welcome any information on the family of Sgt Hutchison.

“Talking to Sgt Culmer’s relatives has added much to the meaningfulness of the memorial – Sgt Culmer is no longer just a name on the memorial.

“Anyone with any information can contact me at david.hewings 333@btinternet.com”