Beccles marks the 80th anniversary of Eric Fox's bravery

Now the heroic exploits of Eric Fox and the crew of the Halifax bomber R-Roger have been remembered in a poignant ceremony in the town. 

Beccles has marked the 80th anniversary of the Second World War event when the flying officer’s courageous actions saved the town from “death and destruction”.

The commemoration was attended by Mr Fox's family, cadets, and members of the Royal Navy. (Image: Supplied by Bob Collis)

Mr Fox was a 20-year-old pilot flying his RAF Halifax bomber LK846 R-Roger from Yorkshire to German-occupied France, when he increasingly lost of control.

R-Roger was carrying 18x500lb bombs, except the bombs never reached their target as it crashed near Beccles.

Recalling the drama aviation historian Bob Collis, said: “The aircraft was virtually uncontrollable, flying with one wing down at a 60-degree angle.”

After the crew jumped clear, the Halifax dived vertically into the ground on Rigbourne Hill, Beccles.

The tremendous explosion was said to have been “heard and felt as far away as Norwich and Southwold” leaving a crater that was 30ft deep and 60ft wide.

“The blast damaged windows up to a mile away but incredibly, nobody on the ground was hurt,” Mr Collis added.

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Mr Fox landed by parachute at Barsham and survived the rest of the war. He visited the area in 1999 and his RAF uniform is now on display in the Bomber command building at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum.  

All the crew escaped the stricken plane.

The commemoration marker unveiled marking 80 years since Eric Fox's courageous actions saved Beccles (Image: Supplied by Bob Collis)

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Beccles Town Council unveiled a special commemorative marker in the Exchange Square on August 3, 80 years after the event, recording the details of the town’s escape as a result of the young aviator’s bravery.

Mr Fox died in 2005, but his family attended the event.

The commemoration ceremony took place on August 3 (Image: Supplied by Bob Collis)

Mr Collis said: “I want to give a special thanks to councillor Christine Wheeler - the main driving force behind the memorial - and Beccles Town Council for supporting and organising the event.”