427 Squadron Cenotaph Project
Honourary Colonel Lippert has done it. He, virtually single-handed, has raised the funding required for the installation of a Cenotaph dedicated to 427 Squadron members who died performing operational duties. Hon. Colonel Del also negotiated the site, ordered the Lion and its base and supervised the physical Cenotaph to completion. The Cenotaph was unveiled on Sunday, October 15, 2017 after the Gathering of Lions weekend to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of 427 Squadron. The Association wanted to recognize H/Col Lippert's efforts and at the dinner on Saturday night he was given the LIONHEART award which is given to those who foster the objectives of the Association
Col.(ret) Walt Pirie's address at the Cenotaph Dedication
Here are a few preliminary news source reports, more information and photos will follow in the next week.
Skies Magazine - October 16, 2017
Another source - The Daily Observer - October 20, 2017 edition
It is available here.
Some history of the project by Honourary Colonel Del Lippert.
My task was to investigate and execute a plan to have a Cenotaph erected to those 427 personnel who died while on operations but to also honour those who have served and those who continue to serve in the Squadron. Several financial funding options were investigated, however, the chosen option was to initiate a fund raising to pay for this Cenotaph which will be mounted in Cobden, ON. not far drom Petawawa. A bronze Lion, seen below, (other bronze lion photos) will be atop a pedestal with plaques inscribed with the names of the fallen. For a look at Hon. Col. Lippert's initial activities to achieve a Cenotaph click here.
An earlier email:
The granite has arrived from India, Capt. Marc Jacquard is checking the names and selecting the pictures of aircraft the squadron has flown before engraving starts. M/Cpl Imre Glaser-Hille is ensuring the history plaques in French and English and Donor plaque are correct before being cast.
The concrete support base was poured today and it is large enough to accommodate wall extensions which we hope never to use. Tomorrow the forms will be removed and the area around the base will be backfilled. Next week we will wait for a good two day weather forecast and the 20' X 7.5" black concrete top cap will be poured and polished.
As you are aware we already have the Lion.
REMEMBER THE FALLEN - HONOUR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED
Del
The updated final brochure published by Honorary Colonel Del Lippert is
The names of the fallen that are inscribed on the sides of the pedestal are here.