ESAB MAKES TOUGH MONUMENT FOR FLYERS

ESAB’s OK 73.08 (stick electrode) consumable has been used in the welding of a magnificent new war memorial in Lissett, East Yorkshire.

The 2.9 tonne steel monument was commissioned when a wind farm was being built on an old aerodrome at the former home of 158 squadron, part of Bomber Command from 1943-45.

Artist Peter Naylor, who designed the piece, said: “My design came to me very clearly and more or less complete. From the start I had an image of seven men walking towards me as if heading out to their aircraft.

“I also immediately saw it as a silhouette and so steel plate was the obvious choice.”

ESAB’s 73.08 was also the obvious choice of welding consumable since the design brief said the memorial had to be vandal resistant and low maintenance.

The steel monument features the names of 851 airmen based at Lissett, who lost their lives during the Second World War.

“It was a rare privilege on the unveiling day to watch veterans in their eighties with chests full of medals, gently run their fingers across a few carefully picked out names,” said Peter Naylor. “All those involved feel extremely proud.”