Our Man in Westminster

Last Saturday saw one of the most moving ceremonies in the area, when the Hamstreet branch of the Royal British Legion held a service to honour the memory of Lieutenant Bill Johnson, an American airman in the Second World War.

It was the 80th anniversary of an act of extraordinary heroism when Lt Johnson, the pilot of a Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, which only had one engine operating after an attempted bombing raid on Germany, chose to crash the plane deliberately to avoid landing in the middle of Hamstreet.

His decision may have saved dozens of lives in the village, so it is very appropriate for there to be a permanent memorial at what is now known as Johnson’s Corner.

Equally appropriate is that the major anniversaries are commemorated with a ceremony at the memorial.

Last week, in the beauty of some spring sunshine, the American military paraded the Stars and Stripes while members of the local British Legion also attended to demonstrate the permanent links between our two countries.

Wreaths were laid by many of us, including the Deputy Mayor of Ashford, Kent County Council, and the Legion itself, and both national anthems were played to open and close the ceremony.

It is a sobering thought that over the same weekend the air forces of both the UK and USA were again operating together to defend Israel.

It shows the importance of maintaining our long-term alliances. Most attention must of course be paid to the actions of Bill Johnson, who sacrificed his own life to save others.

It is entirely right that in recognition of his bravery the Americans nominated him for the Congressional Medal of Honour, and that he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

It is equally right that we should continue to honour his memory today and for many years to come.