Memorial hopes for two US paratroopers killed in WW2 jump near Nottingham

A fundraiser has been launched to raise money for a memorial to two US paratroopers who were killed in separate training accidents just outside of Nottingham during the Second World War.

Nottingham-based historian Darren Bond hopes to raise £1,250 for a memorial in the village of Owthorpe, near Cotgrave, to US servicemen Jake T Quisenberry and Thomas McGinley.

During the Second World War, Owthorpe was heavily used by the 82nd Airborne Division before the Normandy Invasion. 

Read more: Nottingham's history

In March and April 1944, paratroopers would perform training jumps over Owthorpe and experience mock attacks. 

On March 27, 1944, Quisenberry sadly lost his life during a training jump over the village when his parachute failed to open. 

McGinley died in similar circumstances on April 13, 1944. 

Now, almost 80 years after the two men lost their lives while training for the Normandy invasion, Mr Bond wants a permanent memorial in Owthorpe to honour them. 

He said: “The memorial is going to be an 18 inch plaque, which will be positioned on a stone base near the village hall. 

“The unveiling is going to be on Saturday, April 13 - the 80th anniversary of Thomas’ death. 

“What I’m trying to achieve is to remember the two men that were sadly killed, but also remember the significant part the local area played in the build up to D-Day.”

Mr Bond says there are plans for current servicemen in the 82nd Airborne Division to travel over from the USA and attend the unveiling. 

You can donate to the fundraiser by pressing here.