THE family of an RAF officer who died eight decades ago were able to pay respects to him courtesy of the help of a history group in Oswestry.

RAF Sergeant Leonard Muston died in a crash at Bwlch-y-Rhiw Farm near Llansilin in January 1943, alongside flight crew members and the house occupants Edwin and Annie Jane Williams.

His nieces came to Oswestry for Remembrance Sunday and were met by members of the Oswestry Family and Local History Group who acted as guides for their trip.

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A spokesman for the family history group said the weekend and visit was an opportunity for Seargeant Muston’s family to pay their own tribute.

They said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the tragic training crash that claimed the life of RAF Sergeant Leonard Muston.

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“His nieces, Penny Hibbert and Heather Schollar, daughters of his younger sister Evelyn, thought it fitting to commemorate this event during the remembrance weekend.

“Penny, accompanied by her husband Brian, made the journey to Oswestry from Buckinghamshire, while Heather and her husband Martin travelled from Surbiton, in Surrey.

“During their stay, the family had the opportunity of meeting Kenton Owen QGM (Queen’s Gllantary Medal) and Karen Ethelston as representatives from the Oswestry Family and Local History Group. 

Border Counties Advertizer: A plaque commemorating the deaths in 1943. A plaque commemorating the deaths in 1943. (Image: Brian Hibbert.)

“The group presented them with a comprehensive document, which was the culmination of their thorough research into the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Sergeant Muston’s death.

“This thoughtful gesture was deeply appreciated by the family.

“The weekend included a visit to the crash site at Bwlch-y-Rhiw Farm near Llansilin, as well as their uncle’s final resting place at Oswestry Cemetery.


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“The commemoration concluded with their attendance at the Oswestry Remembrance Parade on Sunday. 

“This poignant weekend served not only as a remembrance of Sergeant Muston’s sacrifice but also as an opportunity for his family to pay tribute to his life and service.”

The family spent time watching the parade through Oswestry on Remembrance Sunday and also visited the crash site.