550 Squadron and RAF North Killingholme Association Events

2025 (advance notice)

EventLocationDate/time
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2025 North Killingholme Friday 11th - Saturday 12th July 2025
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 9th November 2025

2024

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 22nd May 2024

Notice has been received of a ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember the 550 crews who crashed in Belgium:
  • Berinzenne (Milburn crew)
  • Jalhay (Jefferies crew)
  • Sint-Niklass (Dukelow crew)
  • Westerlo (Hinde crew)
  • Lichtervelde (McCrea crew)
  • Rebecq (Purney crew)

In the presence of the Representatives of HM the King of the Belgians, with a Royal band and a guard of honour. The Ambassadors of countries having nationals involved in the crashes in Belgium in WW2 will be invited.
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Westerlo, Belgium Sunday 26th May 2024

Notice has been received of a ceremony of Remembrance for this 550 Squardon crew fallen at Westerlo on 22nd May 1944
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2024 North Killingholme Friday 12th - Saturday 13th July 2024
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 10th November 2024

2023

EventLocationDate/time
Fly-past of the BBMF Lancaster Rebecq, Belgium Thursday 4th May 2023

Notice was received in February of a Service of Remembrance for the celebration of the Allied Victory (which is commemorated in Belgium on May 8th) to take place on the occasion of a fly-past by the BBMF Lancaster.
The ceremony will begin at 11.15 am until 12 noon. The overflight of the Lancaster is planned for 12.19 pm, so that the public attending can see the aircraft and take pictures.

Rebecq fly-past


See: Rebecq Lancaster Flypast
See: https://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2023-flypast.php
See: https://www.belgians-remember-them.eu/c2023-fp.php
See: https://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2023-fp.php
See: https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight/news/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight-fly-overseas-commemorative-sortie-over-belgium-and-the-netherlands/

Rebecq fly-past
"Chastise 80" Lancaster Flypast North Killingholme Tuesday 16th May 2023

The BBMF are currently arranging a special flypast by the Lancaster of Bomber Command airfields to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation Chastise the Dambuster Raid which took place on the 16th May 1943.

On the 16th May 2023 the Lancaster will fly over St Denys Church, North Killingholme some time between 7pm and 8.30pm. A more exact time will be given when the schedule is completed.
As with all BBMF flypasts, this is subject to aircraft serviceability and weather conditions.

NK Chastise fly-past


The latest information is that the Lancaster will fly over St Denys' Church, North Killingholme at 19:32. Should more updates be received they will be added on this web-site.
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 17th May 2023

Notice has been received of a ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember the 550 crews who crashed in Belgium:
  • Berinzenne (Milburn crew)
  • Jalhay (Jefferies crew)
  • Sint-Niklass (Dukelow crew)
  • Westerlo (Hinde crew)
  • Lichtervelde (McCrea crew)
  • Rebecq (Purney crew)

In the presence of the Representatives of HM the King of the Belgians, with a Royal band and a guard of honour.

See: Rebecq Commemoration 2023
See: https://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2023-rebecq.php (French)
See: https://www.belgians-remember-them.eu/c2023-rebecq.php (English)
See: https://www.tvcom.be/video/info/mercredi-17-mai-2023_32412_214.html (TVCom TV news about the event)
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
Sint Niklaas, Belgium Sunday 21st May 2023

Ceremony to remember the Dukelow crew

See Sint-Niklaas Commemoration 2023
North Killingholme Annual ReunionReunion 2023 North Killingholme Friday 7th - Saturday 8th July 2023
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 12th November 2023

2022

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
S/Ldr G S Smith crew (and others): ME840
Gendringen, The Netherlands Friday 6th May 2022 at 12 noon

Unveiling of a memorial in Gendringen (close to the German border) to remember all (500+) casualties during WWII in the former municipalities of Gendringen and Wisch (nowadays: Oude IJsselstreek). These victims are, citizens, Dutch, Canadian, English and German soldiers and RAF victims of the nine crashes in that area.
The monument features a Canadian soldier in front and a Lancaster overhead.

See Gendringen Commemoration 2022.
More information can be found on the Memorial website https://www.ownv.nl/?lang=en and many photographs are available here https://stjornuryk.jalbum.net/OWNV/.
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 18th May 2022

Notice has been received of a combined ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember the 550 crews who crashed in Belgium:
  • Berinzenne (Milburn crew)
  • Jalhay (Jefferies crew)
  • Sint-Niklass (Dukelow crew)
  • Westerlo (Hinde crew)
  • Lichtervelde (McCrea crew)
  • Rebecq (Purney crew)

In the presence of the Representatives of HM the King of the Belgians, with a Royal band and a guard of honour. The Ambassadors of UK, Canada and Denmark were also invited.
A reception followed the ceremony at the "Little Mill", Rebecq.

See Rebecq Commemoration 2022
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2022.php
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Westerlo, Belgium Sunday 22nd May 2022

Ceremony of Remembrance of the 550 Squardon crew fallen at Westerlo on 22nd May 1944
- 10.30 am: Mass of Remembrance to the church of Voortkapel Church
- 11.30 am: Service of Commemoration and laying of wreaths at the Memorial Stone
A lunch followed the ceremony (at Voortkapel Gild)

See Westerlo Commemoration 2022
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2022west.php
North Killingholme Annual ReunionReunion 2022 North Killingholme Friday 8th - Saturday 9th July 2022
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 13th November 2022

2021

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium NOW Wednesday 29th September 2021 at 10:00 AM
(Was originally planned to take place on Wednesday 19th May 2021)

Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic the 2020 ceremony was postponed to the May date in 2021 noted above, but this was then moved to the date in September (correct at the time of this latest update, 08/08/2021)

The year 2021 coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Rebecq Association. The tribute to the crews of 550 Squadron has been extended to all those who fell, while under the command of the Royal Air Force, in Belgium during WWII. This event prompted the Rebecq Association to invite ambassadors from the 14 countries that had nationals involved in the crashes in Belgium. All responded that they will be present. It will therefore be an important ceremony during which His Majesty the King wished to be represented.

The commemoration was able to take place on 29th September as planned and was a very significant event.
See Rebecq Commemoration 2021
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2021 North Killingholme Friday 9th - Saturday 10th July 2021

18th June 2021 CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation

For more information see: cancellation details
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 14th November 2021

2020

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 20th May 2020

6th April 2020 CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation

Notice has been received of a combined ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember Bomber Command crews who crashed in Belgium. The following crews are remembered:
  • Berinzenne (Milburn crew)
  • Jalhay (Jefferies crew)
  • Sint-Niklass (Dukelow crew)
  • Westerlo (Hinde crew)
  • Lichtervelde (McCrea crew)
  • Rebecq (Purney crew)

The ceremony will take place in the presence of the Representative of the King of the Belgians, and will also mark the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.

For more information see: cancellation details
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Westerlo, Belgium Thursday 21st May 2020

6th April 2020 CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2020 North Killingholme Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th July 2020

20th March 2020 CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation

For more information see: cancellation details
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 8th November 2020

2nd November 2020 CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation

As at 13 October 2020 a much reduced service was still planned to take place, but (as of 31st October) with England entering a second lockdown on 5th November then the events in North Killingholme were cancelled

For more information see: cancellation details

2019

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
F/O Roche crew: LM455
Blamont, France VE Day 2019

Commemoration service for the crew

See Blamont Commemoration 2019
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
P/O McCrea crew: LL810
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 22nd May 2019

Notice has been received of a combined ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember 550 crews who crashed in Belgium. The following crews are remembered:
  • Berinzenne (Milburn crew)
  • Jalhay (Jefferies crew)
  • Sint-Niklass (Dukelow crew)
  • Westerlo (Hinde crew)
  • Lichtervelde (McCrea crew)
  • Rebecq (Purney crew)

The ceremony will take place in the presence of the Representative of the King of the Belgians. A flypast is planned with aircraft or helicopters of Belgian Air Force and a military band will play hymns.

In the case of the Rebecq (P/O E C Purney RCAF) crash this is the 75th anniversary of the crash.

See Rebecq Commemoration 2019
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/cer2019.php
http://www.belgians-remember-them.eu/event1.php
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
Sint Niklaas, Belgium Saturday 25th May 2019

Unveiling service for a new memorial dedicated to the crew (close to the crash site)

See Sint-Niklaas Commemoration 2019
Commemoration
P/O McCrae crew: LL810
Lichtervelde, Belgium Saturday 15th June 2019

Commemoration at the site of the new (2017) memorial to the crew

See Lichtervelde Commemoration 2019
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2019 North Killingholme Friday 12th - Saturday 13th July 2019
Commemoration
W/Cmdr Connolly crew: LL837
Bussy La Cote, France Saturday 13th July 2019

Unveiling of a new memorial for the crew (close to the crash site)

See Bussy La Cote Commemoration 2019
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 10th November 2019

2018

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Purney crew: JA712
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 23rd May 2018

Notice was received of a combined ceremony to be held in Rebecq to remember the 550 crews who crashed in Belgium:
St. Niklaas (P/O P J Dukelow)
Rebecq (P/O E C Purney RCAF)
and Westerlo (P/O G W Hinde)

Tuesday 22nd, 19:00 Dinner for 550 Guests
Wednesday 23rd, 10:00 Ceremony at the Memorial, 11:30 Reception and Lunch, 19:00 Dinner for 550 Guests
Thursday 24th, details to be advised

See Rebecq Commemoration 2018
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2018.php
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
Sint Niklaas, Belgium Saturday 26th May 2018

10 AM Tereken municipal cemetry Sint-Niklaas; family members of the crew and all delegations meet at the entrance
10.30 Assemble at the graves
11.00 Inauguration Memorial Stone
12.00 Service ends
12.45 Cold lunch at Hotel Serwir, Astridlaan, Sint-Niklaas

See Sint-Niklaas Commemoration 2018
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2018a.php
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Westerlo, Belgium Sunday 27th May 2018

20th anniversary of unveiling of the memorial

Saturday afternoon, Tribute in Schoonselhof, Antwerpen
Saturday evening, 19:00 Dinner
Sunday 10.30 AM service at church followed by a parade of vintage jeeps to the Memorial stone for a service to take place at 12.00 noon
Reception to follow in the Polyvalente room with lunch from 13.00

See Westerlo Commemoration 2018
http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/c2018b.php
Commemoration
S/Ldr G S Smith crew: DV309
Oude Ijsselstreek, The Netherlands Friday 8th June September 2018

See Oude Ijsselstreek Commemoration 2018
Belgian Commemoration Cenotaph, Horse Guards Saturday 14th July September 2018

Annual commemoration of loses in two World Wars in Belgium, Belgium military parade in uniform bearing arms, an honour bestowed by King George V in 1934
550 Squadron Association was represented and laid a wreath during the ceremony in the presence of His Majesty the King of the Belgians

See Ceremonie de Commemoration Londres
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2018 North Killingholme Friday 7th - Sunday 9th September 2018
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 11th November 2018

2017

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
P/O Purney crew: JA712
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 24th May 2017

A combined ceremony held in Rebecq to remember the 550 crews who crashed in Belgium:
St. Niklaas (P/O P J Dukelow)
Rebecq (P/O E C Purney RCAF)
and Westerlo (P/O G W Hinde)

See Rebecq Commemoration 2017
Commemoration
P/O McCrae crew: LL810
Lichtervelde, Belgium Sunday 28th May

A memorial to the McCrae crew unveiled in Lichtervelde
The official unveiling of the memorial at the crash site of the P/O McCrae crew (LL810/BQ-K) who were killed on 27/28 May 1944 took place at 10.30am on 28th May, the 73rd anniversary of their loss

See Lichtervelde Commemoration 2017
Commemoration
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
Berinzenne, Belgium Summer 2017

A memorial plaque laid in memory of F/O Milburn and crew who crashed flying ME581/BQ-D on 22/23 April 1944
Commemoration
F/O Hayter crew: NF963
Ellingstring, Yorkshire Saturday 24th June at noon

A memorial plaque to the crew of NF963/BQ-A unveiled at the crash site. NF963 was on a training flight when it crashed on 4th October 1944. F/O S H Hayter was the only survivor.
North Killingholme Annual Reunion Reunion 2017 North Killingholme Friday 8th and Saturday 9th September 2017
(some events on Sunday and possibly also on Monday morning)
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 12th November 2017

2016

EventLocationDate/time
Inauguration of the Jalhay Memorial
F/Sgt Jefferies crew: LM425
Jalhay, Belgium Saturday 9th April 2016, 11AM

http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/jalhay2016.php
Commemoration
P/O Purney crew: JA712
Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 25th May 2016

http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/rebecq2016.php
Commemoration
P/O Dukelow crew: LL851
Sint Niklaas, Belgium Saturday 28th May 2016

http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/stniklaas2016.php
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew: DV309
Westerlo, Belgium Sunday 29th May 2016

http://www.rebecq-memorial.eu/westerlo2016.php
New (replacement) plaque on the Berinzenne Memorial
F/O Milburn crew: ME581
Berinzenne, Belgium Summer 2016
Commemoration
F/O Neilson crew: LM134
Rhenen, The Netherlands Friday 17th June 2016

For details of the planned schedule see: here
If you need more information then please contact: Gerard van der Vliet
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd July 2016
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 13th November 2016

2015

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration, Purney crew: JA712 Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 27th May
Commemoration, McCrae crew: LL810 Lichtervelde, Belgium Thursday 28th May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th July 2015
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 8th November

2014

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration Service: LM392 Artolsheim, France Saturday 12th April
Commemoration Service: LL852 Sondernach, France Sunday 13th April
Commemoration Service: JA712 Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 28th May

This commemoration will remember all the 550 crews lost over Belgium 70 years ago:
  • Berinzenne
  • Jalhay
  • Sint-Niklass
  • Westerlo
  • Lichtervelde
  • Rebecq
Commemoration Service: LL851 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium Saturday 31st May
Commemoration Service: DV309 Westerlo, Belgium Sunday 1st June
North Killingholme Annual Reunion

70th Anniversary: Squadron Operations from North Killingholme
North Killingholme Friday 4th July (afternoon/evening, arrive)
Saturday 5th July (main events, inc. flypast)
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 9th November

2013

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration Service Rebecq, Belgium Wednesday 29th May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion

70th Anniversary: Squadron formation
North Killingholme Friday 5th July (afternoon/evening, arrive)
Saturday 6th July (main events, inc. flypast)
Sunday 7th July (tour of NK airfield for those who wish to visit)
Monday 8th July (visit to Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby)
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 10th November

2012

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration Service Rebecq, Belgium Saturday 9th May
Services Westerlo, Belgium Saturday 19th May & Sunday 20th May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion

30th Anniversary: unveiling of the Memorial Stone
20th Anniverary: founding of the Association
North Killingholme Saturday 30th June
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 11th November

2011

EventLocationDate/time
Unveiling of Memorial Rebecq, Belgium Saturday 7th May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 2nd July
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 13th November

2010

EventLocationDate/time
Services Westerlo, Belgium Saturday 22nd May & Sunday 23rd May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 3rd July
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 2nd July - Sunday 4th July
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 14th November

2009

EventLocationDate/time
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 4th July, 12:00 - 16:30
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 3rd July - Sunday 5th July
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 8th November

2008

EventLocationDate/time
Memorial service, Westerlo Westerlo, Belgium Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 5th July, 12:00 - 16:30
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 4th July - Sunday 6th July
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 9th November

2007

EventLocationDate/time
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, unveiling of the Phantom of the Ruhr, Lancaster EE139 RAF Coningsby Friday 27th April, 10:30-16:00
Association photo in front of the Phantom of the Ruhr RAF Coningsby Friday 20th July, 14:00
North Killingholme Annual Reunion: 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the 550 Squadron Memorial Stone North Killingholme Saturday 21st July, 12:00 - 16:30
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 20th July - Sunday 22nd July
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 11th November

2006

EventLocationDate/time
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 14th - 16th July
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 15th July, 12:00 - 16:30
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 12th November

2005

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
F/O G Nye and crew (marking the 60th anniversary of the crash on 3rd/4th February 1945): PD221
Westerbook, Holland Friday 3rd - 6th May
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 8th - 10th July
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 9th July, 12:00 - 16:30
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 13th November

2004

EventLocationDate/time
Commemoration
P/O Hinde crew (marking the 60th anniversairy of the crash on 21/22 May 1944): DV309
Westerlo, Belgium 22nd/23rd May
Hull University weekend & Association AGM Hull University & North Killingholme Friday 8th - 10th July
North Killingholme Annual Reunion North Killingholme Saturday 10th July, 12:00 - 16:30
Armistice Service, Remembrance Sunday 550 Squadron Memorial Stone
St. Denys' Church
North Killingholme
Sunday 14th November

2003 (and earlier)

Not currently available online