Flashbacks into The History of Benwick

This page is a more in depth look into the past events of Benwick, some of the things I find out whilst doing my research are simply to detailed to just skim over in the History section, and some are just generally interesting and are great to know more about. Each month I will delve into the past and look at a different event.

On Monday April 17th 1989, American pilot Captain Donald Roberts lost his life when he ensured that the USAF A10 Thunderbolt II he was flying, didn't crash into the village. Capt. Roberts was only 29 when the disaster stuck and the plane crashed into the a field down Ibberson's Drove, barely 3-quaters of a mile outside the village.

June and Chris Boneham saw the plane crash from their house down Nene Parade, Chris saw the plane instantly burst into flames as it collided into the field. After ringing 999 who almost didn't believe what had happened Mr and Mrs Boneham rushed to the site and could still smell the fuel in the air. Seeing such devastation they instantly new that there was nothing they could do to help.

Capt. Roberts was returning from the Bombing Range at RAF Donnanook and was carrying out routine manoeuvres practice with another A10 when the accident happened - the second thunderbolt was seen flying over the scene after the crash.

Above: An A10 Thunderbolt II, the same type of plane which crashed.
Below: The plaque about the dedication of the Tree

Down Ibberson's Drove there is now a memorial cross and plaque as well as a Horse Chestnut (Conker) tree in his memory. The Conker tree was re-planted in 2003 after it had been destroyed by a JCB.