A Memorial in the Skies: Remembering the Crew of W6009

At 12:29 on that fateful day, the Short S.25 Sunderland Mark III W6009 of Royal Air Force No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit took off from RAF Station Alness. The skies over the Dornoch Firth witnessed yet another routine training mission, this one focused on low-level bombing attack exercises. The crew aboard W6009, all of them young Australians far from their homeland, were well aware of the dangers that came with such training. Yet, they carried out their duties with the courage and commitment that define the finest traditions of military service.

As W6009 ascended from the fixed target, climbing to an altitude of 300 to 500 feet, the turn it initiated would be its last. In the blink of an eye, the routine became perilous. The turn steepened, and the aircraft began losing height rapidly. At an altitude too low to recover, W6009’s wingtip grazed the waters of the Dornoch Firth. The majestic Sunderland, once a symbol of hope and strength, succumbed to the unforgiving sea at 13:40, crashing and burning off the shores of Ferrytown Pier.

The waters of the Dornoch Firth became the final resting place for several members of the crew. Sergeant Charles Walter Laing, just 28 years old, was among those who perished. Alongside him, Flying Officer Raymond Thomas Marstella, aged 27, and Flying Officer Francis Laurence Pepper, who had only just turned 23, also lost their lives. The sea claimed the lives of others as well, leaving behind no trace but memories etched in the hearts of those who knew them.

The tragedy did not end with the lives lost. Several crew members sustained severe injuries, their bodies bearing the scars of that harrowing day. Among them were Sergeant William James Wesley Freudenstein, Flight Sergeant Guy Neville McLeod, and Flying Officer Alan Woodhouse Crompton. Their injuries were serious, yet they were the fortunate ones—survivors who would carry the weight of that day for the rest of their lives.

Pilot Officer Ernest Neil Bugg, Flight Sergeant Murray Clive Pryor, and Sergeant Robert Roger Waddell were also among those seriously injured. These men, like their fellow crew members, exemplified the resilience and fortitude that defined their generation. Though their bodies would heal, the emotional and psychological toll of that day would linger, a testament to the sacrifices made during times of war.

In the aftermath of the crash, recovery efforts were launched. The wreckage of W6009 was partially recovered from the sea in May 1945, with further recovery in September of the same year. The remains of the crew were honored, though some were never found, their final resting place marked only by the cold waters of the Firth and their names inscribed on the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede.

The story of W6009 is not just one of tragedy; it is also a story of service, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of those who served. The crew members of W6009, particularly those from the Royal Australian Air Force, embodied the courage and dedication that defined the Allied efforts during World War II. Their loss is a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by those who train for war, even far from the front lines.

As we remember the crew of W6009, we do so with a sense of deep pride and solemn recognition. These men gave their lives and their health in service to a cause greater than themselves. Their legacy is etched in the annals of history, a reminder that freedom often comes at a great cost.

Alongside many others, the crew of ESRA were honoured to be present on the day the memorial was unveiled, during which, a particularly poignant moment occurred. Philippa Denton, the youngest daughter of one of the crew members, stood at the site, representing the families who had carried the memory of their loved ones for decades. As she began to speak, her voice carried the weight of years of loss and remembrance. Her words, though filled with pride for her father's service, were often interrupted by waves of emotion that overwhelmed her. The sight of her struggling to maintain composure while recounting her father’s story had a profound impact on all those gathered.

The crowd, moved by her sincerity and the rawness of her grief, stood in solemn silence, feeling the depth of her connection to the man she had known only through stories and memories. With quiet dignity, she unveiled the memorial, her presence bridging the gap between past and present, ensuring that the sacrifices made by her father and his comrades were not just remembered, but deeply felt by all who attended.

The memorial that stands near the former station's moorings and beaching ramp, accessible from a lay-by on the A9, serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice. It is a place where we can pause, reflect, and honor the bravery of the crew who took to the skies that day, never to return. "Lest we forget" is not just a phrase; it is a solemn vow to remember those who gave everything in the service of their country. May their memories continue to inspire us, and may their sacrifices never be forgotten.