A heartfelt appeal is being made to families with relatives buried in a number of Commonwealth War Graves across Europe, as Clare Metcalfe and Andy Denholm prepare to undertake a commemorative journey to pay their respects.
They will be visiting the following cemeteries: Reichswald Forest War Cemetery; Berlin War Cemetery; Hannover War Cemetery; Rheinberg War Cemetery.
Anyone with loved ones laid to rest at these sites is warmly invited to get in touch. The group is offering to lay a cross at individual graves on behalf of families who may be unable to visit in person.
A particularly personal element of the journey will take place at Rheinberg War Cemetery, where Clare will visit the grave of her grandmother’s cousin, Sergeant John W. Richardson (RAFVR) of Ferryhill. Known as “Jack” or “Walton” Richardson, he served as a Navigator/Bomber with 77 Squadron. Formerly a teacher, he lost his life during the Düsseldorf raid on 26 May 1943, aged just 28.
The journey will follow a route steeped in wartime history, including a visit to the Möhne Dam – famously breached in 1943 by 617 Squadron, the “Dambusters.” The group will also travel to Colditz Castle, known as the notorious high-security prisoner-of-war camp for Allied officers.
Further visits include the historic city of Dresden and the Bundeswehr Military History Museum, before crossing into Poland to Zagan. There, the group will visit Stalag Luft III, the site of the legendary “Great Escape.”
Continuing on to Berlin, the itinerary includes visits to the Gatow Air Force Museum and the remains of the imposing Flak Towers. The journey then proceeds to Hannover for a visit to its Air Force Museum.
The final stage of the trip returns to Rheinberg War Cemetery, where members of the famed Dambusters, including Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, are laid to rest. It is here that Clare will also pay tribute once more to her relative.
This journey is not only a personal pilgrimage but a broader act of remembrance – ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.
Anyone wishing to have a cross laid at a relative’s grave is encouraged to make contact ahead of the visit.
Please email: Ferryhill.Chair@rbl.community.
The journey begins on Saturday 18 April, but emails can still be received after that date.
Never forgotten.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
