Night of the Intruders memorial service in Kessingland

On April 22 1944, 26 United States Air Force planes took off from Seething Airfield in south Norfolk.

A successful bombing mission over Germany was carried out - but enemy fighters followed B24 Liberator 843 'The Repulser' back to the UK.

Before the Repulser could safely land back in Norfolk it came under heavy fire from ME 410 German fighter aircraft and was shot down over Kessingland, near Lowestoft.

The plane crashed in fields to the south of the village - bursting into flames on impact and killing all 10 of the crew, with no survivors.

The airmen were remembered. Picture: Kessingland Parish Council (Image: Kessingland Parish Council)

Last week, on the 80th anniversary of the B24 41-28843 "The Repulser" crashing at Kessingland, the American aircrew were remembered.

The special service. Picture: David Boyle (Image: David Boyle)

Villagers and special guests attended a special Night of the Intruders memorial service in St. Edmund's Churchyard, Kessingland, with the service officiated by the Rev Mandy Bishop producing a fine turnout.

The commemorative stone. Picture: David Boyle (Image: David Boyle)

With a marble commemorative stone unveiled alongside the village's war memorial in the grounds of St Edmund's Church in November 2009, it was officially dedicated in 2010.

The special service. Picture: David Boyle (Image: David Boyle)

Bearing the names of the 715 Bomber Group crewmen, the stone was set on top of some small pieces of metal taken from the wreckage of the crashed craft.

The crew of B24 Liberator 843 Repulser were 2nd Lt Eugene V Pulcipher (Pilot), 2nd Lt Elmer P Meier (Co Pilot), 2nd Lt George S Fahr (Navigator), 2nd Lt William Carcelli (Bombardier), Staff Sergeant Chester J Romanosky (Radio operator), S Sgt James R Hardin (Gunner), Sgt William H Durant (Gunner), Sgt William S Davis (Gunner), Sgt Maynard H Young (Gunner) and Sgt Carl E Spellman (Gunner).

Wreaths were laid at the special service. Picture: David Boyle (Image: David Boyle)

With fitting tributes paid and wreaths laid at the commemorative stone during the memorial service, a Kessingland Parish Council spokesman said: "The 80th anniversary of the loss of the American B24 Liberator "Repulser" was well attended with an American Honour Guard, standards of the British Legion and RAFA, Beccles and Southwold branch as well as around 50 local parishioners - including children from year six at Kessingland Primary School."

Just some of the many in attendance at the special service. Picture: David Boyle (Image: David Boyle)