A special commemoration has taken place at Holmston Cemetery in Ayr to mark the 85th anniversary of the Whitletts Air Disaster and remember those who lost their lives in two World Wars.
Kathryn Porter, U.S. Consul General in Edinburgh, joined the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Iona McDonald OBE, South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell and council leader Brian Connolly to pay their respects.
The Whitletts Air Disaster happened on August 14, 1941, when a Consolidated LB-30 Liberator crashed during take-off from the wartime airfield near what is now Whitletts Roundabout, close to the A77 bypass and Heathfield Road.
The aircraft struck an embankment before exploding, killing all 22 people on board. Those who died came from Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Following the tragedy, members of the local community raised money for a memorial plaque. It remains beside the graves at Holmston Cemetery as a lasting tribute to the crew and passengers.
During the visit, the U.S. Consul General also paid her respects at the graves of four American airmen who died in Ayr in March 1918 while training with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service.
They were F.W. Hough, whose aircraft stalled and spun; A.C. Ortmayer, who died after his aircraft spun from a height of 150 feet; T.C. Nathan, whose aircraft lost a wing in flight; and H.G. Velde, who died on March 7, 1918.
Kathryn Porter said: “It was a privilege to help remember the Americans who lost their lives at the Whitletts Air Disaster and the four American airmen who died training here during the First World War.
“Their service reflects the shared commitment and sacrifice that have long united our nations.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, I am grateful for the chance to honour those heroes whose legacy continues to inspire us today. Thank you to the people of South Ayrshire for continuing to preserve the memories of those who were lost.”
Iona McDonald OBE said the events of the disaster continued to resonate deeply within the community 85 years later.
She added: “It was a privilege to join the U.S. Consul General, the Provost of South Ayrshire and the leader of South Ayrshire Council to pay our respects to the service members and civilians from Britain, America, Canada and Australia who lost their lives on our soil.
“Their memory remains an integral part of South Ayrshire’s history.”
Provost Iain Campbell said the anniversary was an opportunity to remember the 22 victims and reflect on the profound impact the tragedy had on the area.
He said: “In the aftermath of the disaster, residents came together to ensure those who died would be remembered.
“This commemoration also highlights the long-standing links between Ayrshire and the United States, forged through shared history and sacrifice during both World Wars.
“It was a privilege to welcome Kathryn Porter, U.S. Consul General in Edinburgh, to Ayr as we honour our connections and pay tribute to the sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve their country.”
Those who died in the Whitletts Air Disaster
Crew
Captain Richard Charles Stafford, pilot
Flying Officer Earl Wellington Watson
Richard Coates, radio officer
Roland Folford Davis, flight engineer
Passengers
Flying Officer Elbert Beard Anding
Joseph Culbert, radio officer
Captain Murray Benjamin Dilley Jr., pilot
Robert Arnold Duncan, radio officer
Captain Alton Chester Earle, pilot
Wesley Francis J. Goddard, radio officer
Captain Edward Hamel, pilot
Donald Norman Hannant, radio officer
Captain Gerald Hull, pilot
Captain John Joseph Kerwin, pilot
Philip Francis Lee, first officer
Glenwood McKay, radio officer
John Joseph MacDonald, radio officer
Captain James John Moffat, pilot
Arthur Blakie Purvis, civilian
Albert Tamblin, radio officer
Walter Lee Trimble, first officer
Martin Joseph Wetzel, first officer