An unsung war hero from Handforth who served in the RAF’s Photographic Reconnaissance Unit looks set to be remembered for his service.
F/Sgt William Douglas Stopford was born to Sidney and Eunice Stopford of Handforth, and went on to marry Bessie, also from Handforth.
He was part of the Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU) which was formed in September 1939 and throughout the Second World War operated highly dangerous, clandestine photographic reconnaissance operations over all theatres of operation, and captured more than 26 million images of enemy operations and installations during the war.
But despite their service – and having one of the lowest survival rates in the war of just two and a half months - there is no memorial to the PRU.
Esther McVey has been supporting the Spitfire AA810 Project pushing for the memorial for the 1746 PRU pilots and navigators. Veterans Minister Al Carns has announced the memorial has moved to the planning stage.
Ms McVey said: “I am delighted to support this fantastic campaign to commemorate those who served in the Photographic Reconnaissance Units. This includes William Stopford, who served admirably under exceptionally difficult conditions, and who ultimately gave his life in service of our country.
“This month we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and it is fitting this memorial is moving forward so we can commemorate and remember the sacrifice William and so many others made for us.
“I will continue to work with the Spitfire AA810 Project to establish this memorial and I look forward to being able to pay my respects there once it is completed.”
Joining the RAF Volunteer Reserve Williams trained as a Navigator and was posted to 540 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. He died age 24 after the plane he was in was shot down.
The memorial is expected to be built outside the Treasury, near to the entrance of Churchill War Rooms, opposite St James’ Park. It has now received approval in principle from the Royal Parks and Department for Culture, Media and Sport to proceed to the next stage, which includes ground surveys, design, and planning.
