Hidden Henley

READERS who walk along King James Way to the Deanfield area of Henley via the chalk bank may notice this Second World War aircraft propeller.

The attached notice reads: “This Bristol Blenheim aircraft Mk 1 type 142M variable pitch propeller came up in a fishing net in north Holland.

“The three-man crew may have run out of fuel, suffered mechanical issues, ‘icing’, or been shot down. Nothing is known of their fate. Typically, their ages would have been 22 years.

“This monument recognises the young aircrews of all nationalities who sacrificed their lives in obedience and patriotism for their respective countries at a time of regretful tragic world turbulence. Our freedom and security can be attributed to so many, including this air crew.

“The Blenheim, introduced in 1937, was the first RAF plane to fly into Europe after the declaration of war. A total of 4,422 were built. One flying example exists today, powered by twin 860hp radial Bristol Mercury engines.

“We can never reconcile the sacrifices and utter bravery against all odds of those aircrews.

“Crudelius est quam mori semper timere mortem,” which translates as: “It is more cruel to always fear death than to die.”