CAMBRIDGESHIRE DEVELOPER DONATES BOOKS TO NEW RESIDENTS TO TEACH LOCAL HISTORY

eading developer David Wilson Homes has purchased 50 signed books from a local author who has written a historical book about a plane crash that happened in Godmanchester in 1942.

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DWSM – SGB-32241 – (L-R) – Sales Advisor Kate, Michele Leivers, Roger Leivers, Councillor Richard Taplin, and Senior Sales Adviser Karen

Roger Leivers’ book, Stirling to Essen: The Godmanchester Stirling: a Bomber Command Story of Courage and Tragedy, uncovers the story of a stricken Short Stirling Royal Air Force bomber that crashed into fields to the east of Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire during the Second World War.

David Wilson Homes, which is building new homes in Godmanchester at Romans’ Edge, has purchased 50 signed copies of Roger’s book to gift new residents when they move to the development.

Furthermore, Roger has donated all of the funds from David Wilson Homes’ purchase to Godmanchester Foodbank.

Roger said: “’On the 11th April 1942 eight men returned from a raid on the German industrial town of Essen, badly damaged, they almost made it home. The crash close to the development saw the Captain and a Gunner lose their lives, of the six that survived three would not live to see VE Day. “

As well as this, all of the road names on the latest phase of the Bearscroft Lane development have been named after those involved in the crash.

Roger, alongside the Godmanchester Town Mayor, Councillor Richard Taplin, video called the families of the Captain and the Co-Pilot to reveal the brand-new road signs whilst onsite with the leading housebuilder.

Roger added: “Through the naming of the roads in their memory they will live on and their sacrifice will be honoured which means so much to their families.”

Ben Kalus, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to support Roger by purchasing his book. It’s brilliant that those moving into the development will be able to learn more behind the meaning of the road they live on, as well as the rich history of the local area.

“We would like to thank Roger and Councillor Richard Taplin for sharing this special moment with us. We know the families of the Captain and Co-Pilot will be touched to find out their family history will be well-known in their area.”