Memorial for a brave airman

A memorial to a heroic RAF pilot who steered his stricken jet away from Spalding and died as a result, is to be unveiled on Monday.

The Meteor VIII was being flown by Pilot Officer George Furniss when it got into trouble while over the town on September 27, 1953.
He battled with the controls to steer the jet away from populated areas before baling out, but the plane had lost too much height and he died.
His body was found at the foot of an apple tree on a farm belonging to Richard Sutterby while his jet crashed half a mile away on land farmed by Philip Darley.
Based at RAF Finningley, PO Furniss, of Sheffield, was married with twin daughters who were around a year old at the time of his death.
“There could be many people still alive in Spalding and district because of his actions. By sacrificing his own life, he saved the lives of others,” said Coun Angela Newton, who has arranged a special service and dedication of a new memorial.
PO Furniss’ daughters, Sheila and Gill, along with their families will be taking part in the midday event at Two Plank Bridge.
Led by The Rev Flt Lt Philip Johnson, Rural Dean of Lafford and vicar of Sleaford, the service will be attended by guests and council members who donated to the funding of the memorial from their community budget.
Gp Captain Richard Mighall, chairman of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation, will lead The Exhortation. Last Post and The Reveille will be played by Steve Wand while St Nicolas Community Brass and Anthony Fell will provide music.
Gary Huggins, a stonemason, created the memorial stone and he will be among guests at the service.
Mr Furniss’ widow Margaret re-married but died of cancer when her twin daughters were 16 years old.