SALISBURY siblings say the actions of two airmen who died when their plane crashed in the city 59 years ago ‘saved their lives’ and many others.

Steve Offer and his sister Pat Ferraro have been reflecting on the day of the crash, which happened on November 27, 1955, and believe the pilots were heroes.

Squadron Leader Frank Cooke and Flight Lieutenant Phillip Hyden died when their Canberra bomber crashed on what is now Churchill Gardens - narrowly missing nearby homes.

“I wouldn’t be here if it was not for the bravery of the pilot and co-pilot,” said Steve, who was nine at the time of the incident and was living at his family’s home at Milford Hill.

His sister Pat, who was 11 when the crash happened, said: “I remember it coming over very low and nearly hitting our chimney.”

She says the houses would have been ‘full with families’ sitting down to eat Sunday lunch.

She said: “We were having lunch and we heard a noise. It was a really loud noise and seemed to be coming just over the top of the roof. Everyone went to see what it was.”

Her brother Steve, added: “There is no doubt about it, those two men gave their lives.”

He said: “It stresses how brave they were. If they had not fought and had bailed out the death toll would have been huge.”

“The pilot was a hero. They gave their lives to save a large part of Salisbury.”

Local resident Gordon Usher last week called on the local community to help preserve this part of Salisbury’s history by helping to raise £1,000 towards a memorial stone for the two airmen.

Mr Usher is hoping to get a memorial in place ready to mark the 60th anniversary of the air crash. The aircraft had been on a routine test flight from Boscombe Down.

Anyone wanting to help Mr Usher or give money towards the memorial is urged to call reporter Katy Griffin on 01722 426 504 or email katy.griffin@salisburyjournal.co.uk.