80th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony
This took place on 15 June 2024, with as five years previously ceremonies at the graveside and at the memorial stone, followed by a reception in the village hall. In attendance were the mayor of Gannes, Olivier De Beule, his co-organiser Dominique Lecomte, members of veterans' associations, local people and representatives of two of the aircrew:
For Peter Duff, his nephew Ian Duff, accompanied by son and grandson Mike and Alex Duff
For John Van Cooten, his nephews Daryl and John Van Cooten and members of their families.
After a ceremonial tribute, one minute's silence and the playing of the Australian, British and French national anthems, Olivier De Beule continued proceedings by describing the circumstances of the crash in 1944 and naming the crew members individually:
Dominique Lecomte spoke on his own behalf and that of Chris Dawson, who was unable to attend but who had sent a message to be read out, expressing her appreciation of the thoughtful and respectful continued remembrance:
Ian Duff, speaking in English, related the circumstances of his first visit to Gannes in 1964 and those of his father's only one in 1948, and reiterated Chris Dawson's sentiments about the ongoing commemoration ceremonies ...
... while Dominique Lecomte concentrated on translating into French what he was hearing.
The Van Cooten and Duff families flanked by the standard bearers, Dominique Lecomte and Olivier De Beule:
The UK, French and Australian flags, poppies, and wreaths from the ASAA (in English, the Allies-Oise Aviators Rescue Association) and the commune of Gannes:
A wreath was placed on the memorial stone near the crash site:
Then the standards were lowered in tribute:
Nephews three - Ian Duff, John and Daryl Van Cooten:
At the reception - photographs of the seven airmen and mounted pieces of HK559 disinterred over the years: