All Saints CE Primary School, Wigston, will host a memorial service in February 2026 to mark the 80th anniversary of a heroic act of courage that took place on the school site during the post-war period.

On 4 February 1946, a Lancaster bomber from RAF Faldingworth, crewed by six airmen from the Polish Air Force, encountered severe weather during a training flight. When the aircraft caught fire, the pilot made the selfless decision to steer the plane away from the town centre. The aircraft came down in an empty field behind the school, an action that is believed to have saved many lives on the ground.

All six airmen lost their lives, and their bravery and sacrifice continue to be remembered as a powerful example of service and humanity.

The memorial service, Wings of Peace is an event that aims to bring together pupils, staff, families, and the wider community to reflect on remembrance, peace, and the enduring impact of courageous choices.

The service will include contributions from a visiting Bishop and a serving Major, and will be attended by distinguished guests including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Deputy Lieutenant Lars Tharp; the Mayor of Wigston, Councillor Jasvir Chohan, and her consort Kuldip Chohan; the Bishop of Loughborough, Rt Reverend Saju Muthulaly; the Rector of All Saints, Reverend David Cowie; the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Father Krzysztof Zalewski; and Polish families flying from Poland, as well as a family member of the RAF Faldingworth crew. This reflects the lasting international connection created by the airmen’s actions.

The memorial will include a service of remembrance, followed by refreshments. A special feature of the service will be a new song performed by the entire school, allowing pupils to engage with remembrance through music.

The school is also working with the local Historical Society to display historical materials, including eyewitness accounts and memorabilia linked to the event.