No-one will ever know just how many lives the 20-year-old pilot, Ralph Dooley, saved as he desperately searched to crash-land where there were no houses or shops.

Over the years I have spoken to many of the eye-witnesses who had never forgotten watching the plane and the crew on that sad and tragic day – November 24 1944.

They said that if it had not been for the frantic efforts of Ralph and his crew, their stricken plane could have crashed on densely populated streets causing more death and destruction in a war-torn city where hundreds of people had lost their lives and thousands their homes.

The Lady Jane had been returning to Horsham St Faiths following a training mission on a dismal, foggy day and got into difficulties over the city centre.

Pilot Ralph Dooley, on the right, with members of the crew of the Lady Jane who lost their lives in Norwich 80 years ago. (Image: Submitted)

These were days of double summer time so it was still light at around 5pm when the plane came in low over Norwich. It was clear something had gone badly wrong.

Those on the ground said it was almost flying sideways over Earlham Road and narrowly missed St John’s Catholic Cathedral before heading over Dereham Road.

People watched as the pilot fought to keep his plane in the air as it skimmed over the rooftops before hitting the top of St Philip’s Church, ripping off part of the........

© Norwich Evening News