In October 2017, the Bishop, Mackintosh and Vanderougstraete families met once more at Harelbeke New British Cemetery to remember the two airmen and to commemorate the century old link between the families.
The group consisted of representatives of the three families, of 55 Squadron RAF, local people, Belgian war veterans and local council officials.
The day started with a remembrance service at Harelbeke New British Cemetery, near Kortrijk which was very well attended and very moving. Then moving north to Meulebeke, the group visited the sites where the aircraft and the crew came down in 1917. William Bishop and the front half of the aircraft were found close to to Sint-Armandstraat around 5 metres from a farmhouse. Douglas Mackintosh and the rear section of the aircraft were found near Haandeput where a commemorative ceremony was held. Here there was a short reading of the story of the air fight as told by contemporary eyewitness' read by Vincent Billiet, the last post was played, as well as the national anthems and a highland lament.
Finally, the group was invited to the Town Hall in Meulebeke, where a short address, followed by a drinks reception was held by the local council.
The group consisted of representatives of the three families, of 55 Squadron RAF, local people, Belgian war veterans and local council officials.
The day started with a remembrance service at Harelbeke New British Cemetery, near Kortrijk which was very well attended and very moving. Then moving north to Meulebeke, the group visited the sites where the aircraft and the crew came down in 1917. William Bishop and the front half of the aircraft were found close to to Sint-Armandstraat around 5 metres from a farmhouse. Douglas Mackintosh and the rear section of the aircraft were found near Haandeput where a commemorative ceremony was held. Here there was a short reading of the story of the air fight as told by contemporary eyewitness' read by Vincent Billiet, the last post was played, as well as the national anthems and a highland lament.
Finally, the group was invited to the Town Hall in Meulebeke, where a short address, followed by a drinks reception was held by the local council.