New Bristol Airport plaque marks war victims on 'neutral' plane
04.06.10
A plaque commemorating a plane shot down over the Bay of Biscay during World War II has been unveiled at Bristol Airport. It is inscribed with the names of the 17 passengers and crew killed when Flight 777 from Portugal to Bristol was intercepted by eight Junkers Ju 88 German fighters and shot down on June 1, 1943. A wreath in memory of the people who died on the flight was also handed to Bristol Airport chief executive, Robert Sinclair.
Four times a week, a DC3 Dakota would make a round trip to Portela, carrying military personnel, VIPs and other passengers without fear of danger because both sides in the war respected the neutrality of countries that were not involved. Mystery has shrouded exactly why the plane was shot down, with some believing it was because of the passengers aboard while others are convinced it was simply a terrible mistake.
Many details of Flight 777 are still shrouded in mystery and the official papers on the incident are not expected to be released until 2025. On the flight was film star Leslie Howard, who was noted for his outspoken views against Nazi Germany.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Bristol Colin Smith and Lady Mayoress Jenny Bradley.
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