Four, five, and six-year-olds at the Holy Trinity Church of England School had finished their morning prayers, and teacher Jennie Hall was just about to read her children a story when the tragedy struck.
The air filled with the roar of a fighter jet engine. Flying overhead through the storm to the aerodrome in neighbouring Warton, American first lieutenant John Bloemendal had lost control of his B-24 heavy bomber plane. He plummeted to the peaceful village below. He crashed into the Sad Sack Snack Bar, killing six American servicemen, an RAF airman and seven staff, before crossing Lytham road and bursting into flames in the school’s infant wing. Thirty four children and Jennie Hall, were killed instantly. It’s nearly 80 years since it happened and these photos show the immediate aftermath as well as scenes from funerals, the people affected and the memorial in place to remember them.
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13. Freckleton Air Disaster
The laying of the foundation stone of the Church of England Memorial School, Freckleton by The Rev J W Broadbent in 1954. The stone was blessed by the Bishop of Lancaster Dr Benjamin Pollard.The new building was s a memorial to those who died in the air disaster in 1944 Photo: staff
14. Freckleton Air Disaster
A young helper lends a hand as American soldiers put the finishing touches to Freckleton Memorial Park. freckleton air disaster Photo: submit
15. Freckleton Air Disaster
A photograph taken of Ruby Currell (nee Whittle) after the accident, with burns visible on her legs Photo: Submit
16. Freckleton Air Disaster
Doris Gardiner was a teacher at Holy Trinity School, Freckleton at the time of the Freckleton air disaster Photo: submit