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Canadian pilot killed in WW2 mission remembered

Joelle Lowe
BBC News, Guernsey
Michael Melnick A black and white photo of Lieutenant John Saville in front of a plane. He is wearing his uniform which includes a pilot's cap and goggles. Michael Melnick
Lt John Saville was the leader of the raid on the Freya radar at Fort George

A memorial service has been held for a Canadian airman who was shot down over Guernsey 81 years ago.

On 5 June 1944, the day before D-Day, Lt John Saville was hit as he led his squadron in a successful attack on a German radar in occupied Guernsey.

Each year a memorial service has been held at the site of the memorial plaque on the Castle Emplacement in St Peter Port.

The service was held at 08:30 BST - which is believed to be a similar time to when Lt Saville's plane was struck.

Rev Tim Barker standing next to a wall. He is wearing a black outfit with red accents and a white clerical collar. In the background there is a man wearing a blue suit with military medals
The Very Rev Tim Barker said it was important to remember the sacrifices made in war

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev Tim Barker, led the service.

He said: "It's so important that we keep remembering and when we stop learning from history we place ourselves in an extremely difficult and vulnerable position."

Wreaths were laid at the plaque and the service included a poetry reading from the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard McMahon.

Lt Saville's plane crashed into Havelet Bay and after the safe return of the rest of 439 squadron a search mission was sent to Guernsey - but nothing was found.

The wreck of the plane was discovered in the 1970s by local diver Mick Peters and upon further investigation the site was declared a war grave in 1982.

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