by Sam Lennon

A memorial service is being planned for two school pals who died after a Second World War bombing raid.

RAF Sgts Gerald Town, of Ashford, and Fred Earle , of Willesborough were killed over Denmark in 1943.

The men, both just 22 at the time, had been at the then Ashford North County Modern Boys School and had joined the RAF together in 1941.

Now a 70th anniversary service in Denmark is being planned for relatives and descendants of all seven airmen killed in the same tragedy.

Co-organiser Lynn Truex said: “Sgts Town and Earle died together returning from a bombing raid in Germany and are laid to rest in Denmark.

“It is a very moving story.

“I am trying to track down these men’s families so we can give them the commemoration they deserve.”

All the men died in a Stirling III bomber that was shot down by the Germans and crashed in flames at Bogballe on April 21 1943.

The subsequent glow in the sky helped another Stirling bomber belly land in a nearby field and the crew was captured by the enemy.

The dead men were buried by Luftwaffe servicemen.

Mrs Truex explained; “We are trying to locate as many family members of these brave men as possible.

“We are working well in advance of the anniversary so we can properly plan the event.”

Sgt Gerald “Jerry” Albort Raymond Town was the son of Winifred Louise (nee Masters) and Ernest G Town.

Sgt Frederick Joseph Earle’s last known address was Gladstone Road, Willesborough.

The two were at the North school together from 1932 to 1936 and are commemorated on the present school’s Second World War Roll of Honour.

They are buried next to each other at Fourfelt, Denmark.

Mrs Truex, originally from Gillingham but now living in London, is the niece of another of the seven, Lancashire-born Flt Sgt William Henry Ellis.

She is working on the commemoration with, Diane Ramsey niece of another victim, New Zealander Fl/Sgt Frank Upton,.

This had been an Anglo-New Zealander mission under the No 75 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The three remaining victims were also New Zealanders.

Anyone who can trace relatives of Sgts Town and Earle should contact Sam Lennon at the Kentish Express on 01233 623 232 or emailslennon@thekmgroup.co.uk