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‘Papa India’ Memorial Service On the afternoon of Sunday 18th June 1972 a Trident Aircraft of BEA - G-ARPI, took off from Heathrow bound for Brussels. As it crossed Staines Moor, it stalled and fell out of the sky onto land near the A30. All 118 lives aboard were lost. All of those associated with that dreadful event, have there own memories, but Staines long lacked a memorial to the tragedy, so that those who wish to reflect, may do so with dignity. In 2004 the window which we see today, and the memorial garden at Moormede were dedicated. Each year a service is held on the Sunday nearest to the 18th June in memory of the lives lost in that disaster. The beautiful Memorial Book (sponsored by British Airways and prepared by Margaret Stanley) is used in the service . The “Papa-India” disaster was the worst aircraft accident in British history, and with the exception of the Lockerbie outrage, that remains so today. The Trident flight 458 ‘Papa India’ Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our memorial service again this year due to Corona Crisis. There will not be any memorial services in St Mary's nor on the crash site. However, Reefs are going to be left on the memorial site and the names of the victims are going to be read out on Friday 18th June. You can see the photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ewVbgzFsi9WPKpEC6 We are planning to arrange a large service to mark the 50th anniversary of Papa India on Saturday June 18th, 2022 and will advertise the details in advance to allow enough time for all those who wish to participate. |
