The service, held at St Laurence’s Church on Sunday, was held in memory of the RAF and RAAF personnel who lost their lives on a training flight on 16th December 1943.

Rev Chris Green led the service as the brass plaque, decked with the British and Australian flags, was unveiled by Robert Burgess, representing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Five RAAF and one RAF crew members died in the crash, which provided the inspiration for the new memorial, explained Corringham Parish Council clerk Jane Eyre.

”It came after a passing comment from a parishioner a few years ago and we decided it would be nice to commemorate the crew with a memorial plaque,” she said.

”Aviation historian Robin Fletcher was extremely helpful giving us all the background to the crash and it was great to finally see it all come together.”

The Halifax Bomber DT669 from RAF Blyton was trying to find its base in dense fog around midnight when it ran into trouble and burst into flames, causing a dramatic scene in the village.

Villagers had to be evacuated from their homes for fear of any unexploded bombs, and all air crew – both British and Australian – were killed in the crash.

The tragic incident had an ironic twist as it later emerged there should have been seven crew on board, but the rear gunner reported to the pilot he was unwell and returned to the airfield medical centre – just hours before the crash.

Last Sunday’s event saw Gainsborough mayor Raoul Hesse Phillipson and MP Edward Leigh attend, as well as several Corringham villagers who were young children at the time of the crash.

Church warden and Reader Margaret Grieve said three standards from the RBL, Royal Air Force Association and Air Cadets were paraded in the church during the National Anthem and were lowered at the end.

”This was a tradition of respect and a very moving part of the ceremony – there was absolute silence in the church. St Laurence’s Church was very proud to be able to host this important parish and community commemorative event,” she said.