Loch Doon memorial to World War 2 pilot unveiled
A memorial honouring a Second World War pilot who died after his aircraft crashed at Loch Doon was unveiled last weekend.
Delegates from the Czech Republic, including the Minister of Defence, the Director of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Defence, and the Commander of the Czech Air Force, attended a special ceremony held at the Loch Doon memorial site. It commemorates Czech Spitfire pilot, Frantisek Hekl, whose plane crashed into the loch in October 1941.
Hekl had enlisted with the RAF Volunteer Reserve in November 1940 and joined the 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron, based at RAF Ayr, next to Prestwick Airport, in 1941.
On the morning of October 25, 1941, 26 year-old Hekl took off from RAF Ayr and headed towards Loch Doon, where he flew fast and low over the water. Sadly his wingtip struck the surface and the plane was instantly submerged. Although Hekl's plane was eventually recovered in 1982, his body was never found.
The memorial was designed and created by local sculptor Kevin Roberts, from Patna, who was commissioned to create the piece by the Czech Ministry of Defence. It illustrates the Spitfire wing tip that struck the water as the plane banked away after flying low over the loch, causing the crash.
The memorial has been erected with help from East Ayrshire Council and Forestry and Land Scotland.
Provost Claire Leitch said: “It was an honour to welcome our esteemed guests and friends from the Czech Republic to East Ayrshire to unveil this special memorial.
"Frantisek's story is one of great courage and sacrifice, and his service during the Second World War reflects not only his personal bravery but also the enduring ties between our two nations.
“This memorial will stand as a lasting symbol of the bond between our communities and a reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown during the darkest of times.”
The Spitfire is now on display at the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum.
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