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Jean Maridor - WW2 hero

Jean Maridor
Jean Maridor

On August 3, 1944, at 12.30pm, Captain Jean Maridor of the RAF 91st Squadron took off on his last mission. Flying over the coast at Rye, he spotted a V1 flying bomb and set about the chase in his Spitfire and although he made repeated attempts to shoot it down he was unable to ground it. As the V1 made its way north he realised that the apparent trajectory of the V1 was Benenden School - a war time hospital sporting a large red cross on the roof. Captain Maridor made another attempt to bring the 'buzz bomb' down without success.

Realising the consequence to the hospital and the village of the V1 landing and exploding and with little regard for his own safety Captain Maridor closed in to the flying bomb. With less than fifty metres between his Spitfire and the V1 he let off a final salvo with teh canon.

The gigantic explosion tore off the right wing and the Spitfire plummeted to the ground. Captain Maridor's remains were found close by the hospital surrounded by the aircraft's wreckage.

Benenden residents of the time vowed would never forget the bravery of the 23 year old French flyer Captain Jean Maridor DFC who died in action 3rd August 1944 to save their village

The Jean Maridor memorial in Benenden Church
The Jean Maridor memorial in Benenden Church

Information and picture sourced with thanks from http://www.jean-maridor.org and http://www.ordredelaliberation.fr/fr_compagnon/647.html

Jean MARIDOR, chasseur de V1

Events

Easter Draw

Sat 30th Mar, 8:15pm

Come and try your luck
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 23rd Apr, 2pm

Visit to Cranbrook Museum
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 28th May, 2pm

Teaching in Africa by Sue Fisher
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Benenden Church Fete

Sat 15th Jun, 12pm

Our traditional village fete
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 25th Jun, 2pm

Garden Party
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 23rd Jul, 2pm

Croquet afternoon at The Coachhouse
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 27th Aug, 2pm

At Benenden Bowls Club
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 24th Sep, 2pm

Cream Tea at Benenden School
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 22nd Oct, 2pm

Growing up in Benenden by Marianne Ball
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Merry and Bright Club

Tue 26th Nov, 2pm

Scottish Visit by Rev David Commander
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Merry and Bright Christmas Party

Tue 17th Dec, 2pm

Come and celebrate with friends
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