Service held for Sea King crew killed in Cornwall crash
The four men have been remembered 50 years on
Last updated 21st Mar 2024
Four naval aircrew who died when a helicopter which crashed in Cornwall 50 years ago have been remembered at a commemorative service.
On March 21 1974 a Sea King helicopter from 824 Naval Air Squadron crashed on night exercises at Beagle Point on the Lizard.
It is thought the aircraft was attempting to reach land, and an inquest at the time recorded it as an accident.
Family members and Royal Navy have gathered today to remember the lives of Captain Kenneth McDonald, aged 25, Sub-Lieutenant Stephen Johnson, aged 24, Sub-Lieutenant Edward Wild, aged 22, and Leading Seaman Brian Sharpe, aged 27.
Peter Sharpe, brother of Brian Sharpe, told us: "The event today was to dedicate the memorial which will be a permanent reminder of the sacrifice the officers made 50 years ago today. It's a contact with my brother and it's a tremendous honour to come down."
Pamela Puncher, daughter of Brian, said: "It’s very fitting that there is now a lasting memorial for all of those who perished and I’m sure we’d all like to offer our deepest thanks to those who have made it possible.
"My grand-parents Florence and Jack were determined to always remember my dad and they had a small cross put on this spot and here it stood for many years but time and the elements took their toll. Nan and Pop would be so pleased to know that this new memorial is here."
The ceremony included a fly past by Merlin and Sea King helicopters.