A GROUP of friends have dedicated a new housing estate to a team of seven airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War.

Four British and three Canadian airmen were killed when their Lancaster Bomber crashed on the outskirts of Colchester in April 1944.

They were just minutes away from landing safely at Boxted Airfield.

During a commemoration service for the airmen, a group of 15 friends unveiled a Lancaster Bomber silhouette, which was requested by Colchester Council.

Roads at the new housing estate, in Ipswich Road, will also be named after the seven airmen.

The group began meeting eight years ago to discuss the war, and have been trying to find relatives of the airman since 2011.

Member Chris Stanfield said: “In 2013 we unveiled a memorial pillar at the Space Maker Safestore and there was a big turnout for that.

“We held a ceremony and wreath and cross laying so hopefully people will realise how the plane and the roads are connected.

“Only four have been unveiled at the moment and the estate will take another two years to complete.

“It was not a large event but we wanted people to know it was significant in what it represents.

“It was a very big moment to have taken place in the town.”

As part of the service, veteran Peter Potter revealed the Lancaster Bomber silhouette.

He served as a tail gunner during the war and had survived 31 operations.

The access road to the estate was named Lancaster Close, and three more roads have already been named after the men – including Francis Gun Close, Dennis Randall Way and James Mayger Close.

The four road names yet to be revealed include Murray McPherson Parade, John Shell Drive, Robert Cameron Mews and Ernest Fancy Lane.

The ceremony and wreath-laying service was held on Sunday, April 24 – the day before the 72nd anniversary of the crash.

The Lancaster bomber was returning from a mission in Karlsruhe, Germany, when it was attacked by a lone Luftwaffe over home territory near Diss.

With one wing engulfed in flames and thick fog severely impairing visibility, the airmen attempted an emergency landing at Boxted.

Despite the actions of Americans on the ground, who lit flares to sheer the plane, it crashed on the edge of the airbase.