The Lanfranc Air Disaster
On 9th August 1961, thirty-four pupils – members of Lanfranc Secondary Modern School as it was at that time – together with two teachers, died in a tragic air disaster on their way to Norway. Three air crew also perished in the crash that happened on the Holtaheia Mountain in Strand which is near Stavanger in Norway. Travelling from London Airport in a Cunard Eagle Airways Vickers 610 Viking 3B aircraft, the plane, code named Papa Mike, crash landed into the mountainside, killing all on board instantly.
The boys, aged 13-16, together with the teaching staff, John Beacham and George Budd, were on their way to a camping expedition in the Norwegian highlands. However, they never reached Sola airport, with the Official Norwegian Commission and British Accident Investigation Board reporting that, ‘deviation from the prescribed flight path for unknown reasons’ caused the disaster.
The communal funeral took place on 17th August 1961 at Croydon Cemetery on Mitcham Road; thousands of people lined the funeral procession route, laying wreaths in tribute to those who died. It was reported that over 100,000 mourners paid their respects in the days and weeks following the ceremony. A replica of the Norwegian Cross that remains at the site of the disaster was gifted by the people of Stavanger and stands at the Memorial Garden in Croydon Cemetery.
The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy continues to commemorate those who passed away tragically in August, 1961. With a dedicated memorial to all thirty-nine who died in the Academy Main Hall, their lives are remembered by the current academy community and for those to commemorate in the future.
The Lanfranc Boys, by Rosalind Jones, charts the stories behind the boys and those directly affected by the events of August 1961.
August 2021 marked the 60th Anniversary of the tragedy and all staff and students at The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy, along with friends and family of those involved gathered at the school and the Memorial to pay their respects. A service was also held at the site of the memorial in Norway.
Help Restore the Lanfranc School Memorial Garden for 34 Boys Lost in a Tragic Plane Crash
Our Appeal
Over the years, this special garden at Croydon Cemetery, which is regularly visited by many, has fallen into disrepair and is in need of restoration. Our appeal will run for one year between March 2025 and March 2026, the 9th August 2026 marks 65 years since the disaster. Completing the restoration by this date would be particularly poignant.
We are reaching out to the community and beyond to help us restore this memorial garden. Money raised through donations will go towards:
- Repairing stonework
- Planting and landscaping
- Restoring the paving slabs and professional cleaning
- Replacing damaged name plaques and inscription stones
- Removing damaged trees and replacing the broken and missing flowerpots
How You Can Help
Our target is ambitious but to do this sensitively, using skilled craftsmen and approved suppliers, we hope to raise £60,000 to complete all necessary work, including; cleaning, repairs, groundwork, and stone masonry. All funds raised will be held by The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy and managed by appointed trustees.
By contributing to this cause, you are helping to provide a fitting tribute to the memory of the young lives lost and creating a peaceful place of reflection for generations to come.
Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference – Thank you for your support.
See our GoodHub fundraising webpage: https://app.goodhub.com/lanfranc-memorial
