Tempsford Memorial facts for kids

Tempsford Memorial

The Tempsford Memorial is a special monument in the village of Tempsford in Bedfordshire, England. It remembers brave people who helped during World War II. This memorial honors women who worked as secret agents in countries taken over by Nazi Germany. It also remembers the RAF pilots and crew who flew them on dangerous missions. Plus, it honors other secret service members from allied countries who died during the war. The memorial lists the names of 75 known women agents. Sadly, 29 of them were caught, 16 were executed, and three died from sickness while in prison.

Secret Missions in World War II

During World War II, many secret missions took place in Europe. These missions were against the Nazi forces that had taken over many countries. A group called the Special Operations Executive (SOE) helped organize these secret operations. Other groups from the UK, France, the US, and the Soviet Union also took part.

RAF Tempsford: A Secret Airfield

Most of these secret agents were flown into Europe by the RAF. Two special squadrons, 138 Squadron and 161 Squadron, flew these missions. They often took off from RAF Tempsford, which was a secret airfield. Some flights also started from RAF Tangmere or RAF Harrington.

These pilots and crew faced great danger. A special book at St Peter’s Church in Tempsford lists 623 airmen from these two squadrons who died during the war. It is thought that 995 agents were parachuted into Europe. Another 485 agents were landed by plane. About 575 agents and others were brought back safely to the UK.

The Tempsford Memorial

The memorial itself is made of white Carrara marble. It stands on a black granite base. Both the column and the base have words carved into them. These words include the names of the 75 known women agents.

A Special Mosaic

At the top of the white column, there is a beautiful round mosaic. It shows a white dove and a full moon in a blue sky. Many local people from the village helped to make this mosaic.

Remembering All Heroes

The sides of the granite base also remember other brave people. It honors the men and women of the two special RAF squadrons, 138 and 161. It also remembers the secret service members from allied countries. These people died during the war while fighting secretly for freedom.

The Tempsford Memorial Trust asked a company called Ivett & Reed to create the memorial. It stands in the Millennium Sanctuary in Tempsford, close to St Peter's church.

Unveiling the Memorial

The memorial was officially shown to the public on December 3, 2013. The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) was there to unveil it. He even placed the very last piece of the mosaic into the center of the moon. A Lysander plane, painted in the colors of 161 Squadron, flew over during the ceremony. Many important people attended, including the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, government officials, and representatives from 12 countries. Veterans and families of the SOE agents and RAF personnel were also there.

Women Honored at the Memorial

The memorial lists many brave women who served as secret agents. They came from different countries and played vital roles in the war. Here are some of their names: