A woman who died rescuing American airmen after their Havoc bomber crashed in Ashdon during the Second World War was remembered last week.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Ashdon War MemorialAshdon War Memorial (Image: Archant)

Elizabeth Everitt and the 27 Ashdon men killed in the two world wars were honoured when the village came together to commemorate the centenary of the First World War on August 6.

Paying their respects were residents who directly descended from those who died in both world wars.

The bronze plaque on the front of the stone lists the 24 Ashdon men who died in the Great War, including Walter Williams, remembered on the day by his great-nephew Keith Williams, three Bartram brothers, whose niece and nephew Kath and John Bartram attended, and Luke Furze, whose 94-year-old sister Pat, her husband George, and their daughter Sarah marked his memory.

Following the Second World War, a further four names were added – two RAF Pilots, one soldier, and Mrs Everitt, who was posthumously awarded the Albert Medal for her bravery.

At that time it was the highest honour awarded for gallantry for saving life. Mrs Everitt’s daughter-in-law, Norma Everitt, was also present and proudly displayed the medal.

The leader of Uttlesford District Council (UDC), Councillor Howard Rolfe attended the service, and afterwards said: “The debt that we owe the men and women who have died in service of this country is immeasurable, but by keeping their names alive for future generations to witness, they will never be forgotten.”

Ashdon war memorial, erected in 1921 following an appeal in the village, has just been refurbished thanks in part to a grant from UDC.