Re-dedication of WWII Memorial

The service will be attended by members of Ian's family, together with representatives of the various organisations that featured in Ian's career including the Rotherham Air Training Corps, the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and officers from RAF Linton on Ouse, from where Ian took off on his last flight.

Ian, who was 19 years old at the time, was on a routine training flight in the area, when it is believed that his aircraft, a DH Vampire Jet trainer, developed technical problems.

In trying to land the aircraft safely and avoid civilian casualties, Ian was killed when the plane crashed at a site just off Occupation Road, Parkgate.

A memorial to Ian was erected by his family at the site of the crash, but in recent years has become in need of restoration.

With the help of the Council, the local branch of the Royal Air Force Association and the British Legion, the memorial has been re-located to Rawmarsh's Second World War Memorial Garden, which is situated next to St Mary's Church, Rawmarsh.

The Second World War Garden has also been restored as part of the 'Gateway' improvement works in the area, using funding from the Housing Market Renewal Programme and the Wentworth South Area Assemblies Devolved Budget, as well as a contribution from the Royal Air Force Association.

Altogether, works have cost just over £40,000.

The garden commemorates 70 local men who gave their lives during World War Two and was originally opened in December 1949 by Lord Scarbrough.

As well as the memorial to Ian Ferguson Wilson, new internal walling and fencing has been introduced to the garden together with a new footpath.

The original memorial plaque has also been restored as well as the decorative memorial gates at the entrance to the garden.

Rawmarsh Councillor Shaun Wright who was instrumental in securing the funding for the work said: "Having completed the renovation of the World War One memorial last year we wanted to ensure that the World War Two memorial garden was also restored.

"The introduction of the Midshipman Ian Ferguson Wilson memorial is very fitting given his local connections and the story of his bravery. We in the local community are all very proud of these two memorials, what they represent and what has been achieved to restore them."

Cllr Paul Lakin, Chair of Wentworth South Area Assembly, added "We are delighted that as an Area Assembly we were able to provide funding to complete such a worth while project, that holds particular historic value to local residents."