Memory of Raimund Sanders Draper, who died a hero in Hornchurch, to be kept alive by school named after him
A painting of Sanders Draper - Credit: Archant
The memory of Raimund Sanders Draper will be kept alive by the school named after him.
Raimund Sanders Draper - Credit: Archant
The American pilot saved more than 600 people by sacrificing his own life as his out of control plane headed towards the Suttons Senior School in March 1943.
Last week the Recorder reported that the regular commemoration events held by ex-pupils whose lives were saved by the hero were to end this year.
But to mark the 75th anniversary of the original opening of the Hornchurch facility, which was then called the Suttons Senior School, there will be another special event.
On July 13, the Sanders Draper School and Specialist Science College will be hosting a fete on the school playing fields.
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It will feature a fly past by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, food and drink, a historian speaking, and much more.
Head teacher John McEachern said: “The school is extremely proud of its association with Raimund Sanders Draper and his bravery and sacrifice.
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“We will certainly hope to continue to honour the memory of this heroic pilot in the school for many years to come.”
He added: “This year is the 75th anniversary for the school and as such we have a number of celebrations organised to mark the occasion.”
Former schoolboy Jim Ring, 83, who helped organise the regular March events at Sanders Drapers’ grave at St Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch, said of the final one: “It went really well, the air cadets who attended were marvellous, the only bad thing is that we had the worst weather we’ve ever had.”
