DUNNIKIER AIR CRASH PLAQUE

KIRKCALDY CIVIC SOCIETY

The plaque reads...

This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Flt. Lt. Mike Withey and SAC D. McLoughlin who courageously gave their lives, when their aircraft, a Gloster Meteor MK VII, crashed near this site on 18th October 1957. A tribute received at that time from the head of Templehall School reads: "To the gratetful memory of Flt. Lt. Michael John Withey whose actions as a pilot immediately before his death saved a school and its pupils from a major disaster".

Monday 8th September 2008, 10.30am

The plaque is unveiled by Mrs Maureen O’Mara

Group Captain Andy Dipper reads the text on the plaque

Mrs Watters begins the ceremony

A plaque to commemorate the brave act of two airmen was unveiled in a 20 minute ceremony.

Mrs Maureen O’Mara, the sister of the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mike Withey, unveiled the plaque and RAF Group Captain Andrew Dipper read the text. Mr John Clement O’Mara told us of the life and character of his brave brother-in-law.

Sadly, the family of Senior Aircraftman D. McLoughlin (of Glasgow) could not be traced.

Squadron Leader The Reverend Alex Hobson said prayers and Pipe Major Ian Hughes of the RAF Leuchars Pipe Band played as Mrs O’Mara laid flowers on the plinth.

Mr O’Mara had contacted the Courier newspaper after reading an article about the crash. Courier reporter Graeme Bletcher contacted local Councillor Alice Soper who in turn contacted KCS. The society decided to arrange that a plaque be erected to mark the event. Ronnie Lewis and young men from the Fife Council Training Unit built the excellent plinth.

The plaque can be seen on the road leading from Dunnikier Way up to Dunnikier House Hotel.