Mayor And Survivor Unveil New Plaque In Honour Of Pilot Who Crashed Plane To Save Hornchurch School To Mark 80 Year Anniversary.

“We should never forget our history and those that gave their lives so we can enjoy our freedom today.”

On Friday 24 March Havering’s Mayor Councillor Trevor McKeever attended Sanders Drapers School in Hornchurch to unveil a new plaque and stone to mark the 80 year anniversary of the American pilot who gave his life in order to save the Hornchurch school.

Councillor McKeever was joined by Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon and 91 year old Tom Finch who was in the school when the tail end of the plane came crashing down.

This was a very special occasion and a very moving one, as locals paid tribute to Flying Officer Raimund Sanders Draper.

Havering’s Mayor told the Havering Daily:

“On Friday the 24th March I had the pleasure of being invited to Sanders Draper School to unveil a new plaque and memorial stone, to mark the eighty year anniversary of an American pilot that gave his life to save others, I was joined by Tom Finch now aged 91 who was in the classroom where the tail of the plane came to rest.

“Flying Officer Raimund Sanders Draper attached to 64 Squadron RAF Hornchurch, took off from his base, not long after his plane developed engine problems. No one to this day knows what the problem was, but what unfolded was a man who was facing a difficult decision, with his engine fading fast, it is believed he first tried to make an open field, whilst making for the field he found himself approaching Sanders Draper school. There was not enough power to keep the plane in the air, fearing for the school and its pupils F/O Raimund Saunders Draper took the decision to crash the plane in the school playing field, the plane was seen to immediately take a nose dive heading for the playing field, the plane hit the ground and skidded across a gravel path which skirts the school building.

“The plane came to rest with its tail resting against the building, where the new plaque has been placed. This was a selfless act of heroism, with approximately a thousand children in the school, if it had not been for this hero who sacrificed his life many more life’s would have been lost that day.

“We should never forget our history and those that gave their life’s so we can enjoy our freedom today.”

Support Local Journalism
We at The Havering Daily appreciate your support of quality journalism. Your generous donation, no matter the size, allows us to continue bringing unbiased and informative news to the community. Your contribution helps us maintain our independence and allows us to continue providing high-quality journalism. Thank you for valuing the work we do and for supporting our mission

Thank you

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.