PLANE CRASH RESEARCHER WINS HISTORY GROUP AWARD

Exactly three months after a service in Llandudno Junction to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the crash of Avro Anson N5130 in 1944, the man responsible for researching the tragic event, Gwyn Hughes, was presented with a special award by the Deganwy History Group at their monthly meeting on 15 May 2014.

Over the past two years Gwyn, who is webmaster of the Group, went to enormous lengths to trace the exact crash site, contacted the RAF and appealed locally for information. On learning the names of the five young airmen killed in the crash at Cae Erw, near Bodysgallen Hall on 15 February 1944, Gwyn traced their families and set about organising a Service of Remembrance and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at St Michael and All Angels Church attended by the families of the deceased, many civic dignitaries and members of the History Group. The occasion was publicised locally, nationally and even internationally.

Award

Award for Gwyn

Gwyn has given lectures on the aircraft crash and full details are shown on this website.

Gwyn’s enthusiasm for the research project prompted Councillor Mike Priestley and Mrs Mel Lewis of the Llandudno Junction Community Club, along with others, to raise funds for a Garden of Remembrance and a second plaque to be created at the Club Sports Ground.

In responding to the presentation of the inscribed Welsh Royal Crystal award by History Group Chairman Eric Smith, Gwyn said: “That commemoration in February was one of the proudest days of my life and I dedicate this award to the five young airmen who lost their lives”.

Report from Eric Smith

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