Barracuda Bay tribute highlights 'story that needs to be told'

New memorial to honour 22 airmen who died during WW2

A permanent tribute has been installed at Port Soderick in memory of the Fleet Air Arm airmen who died on the Isle of Man whilst undergoing training during the Second World War.

Heroes on the Water unveiled a special bench at ‘Barracuda Bay’ last night (11 September).

It’s to recognise the 22 people who were killed whilst they were taking part in dive and torpedo bomber training.

During the Second World War Port Soderick was one of the locations used as a target range for the Fairey Barracuda.

It was the first aircraft of its type operated by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm to be fabricated entirely from metal.

Targets would be towed out into the bay and the planes would then fly towards them from HMS Urley in Castletown.  

However the practice sessions proved fatal for some with men aged between 19 and 24-years-old killed whilst undertaking their duty.

Last night's event was attended by more than 160 people including representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Air Force, RNLI, Coastguard and Civil Defence.

The new bench – which was built from reclaimed timber in the UK and sent to the Island – was unveiled by the Isle of Man’s Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

Members of the health service, prison service and Isle of Man Constabulary were also in attendance as were cadets representing the various cadet services across the Island.  

Ex-Royal Airforce regular Colin Kelsey is the chairman of the Armed Forces Day organising committee:

Bill Walton is a volunteer for Heroes on the Water and told Manx Radio this is a story that needs to be told:

Heroes on the Water Isle of Man supports serving military personal, veterans and members of the blue light community.

You can find out more HERE.