TWO heroes who rushed to the scene of a Second World War plane crash have been put back in touch with one another – 67 years on.

Ray Thornton, then a 17- year-old joiner, saved the life of ambulance driver Peggy Kitchen when she was engulfed by flames after the pair had rushed to the scene when an RAF Beaufighter crashed in a field just outside Richmond, North Yorkshire, on December 14, 1942.

They were unable to save the pilot and co-pilot, and were told by police to “hushup”

the crash – though Peggy was later awarded a British Empire Medal.

The story was uncovered by Colin Stegeman, who lived in Richmond for 30 years before moving to Shropshire last year.

After carrying out his own research, he was able to put Mr Thornton back in touch with the woman whose life he saved nearly seven decades ago.

Mr Stegeman said: “It’s a fascinating story, and I was determined to find out more, as soon as I heard about it.

“Peggy now lives in Australia with her daughter, but she and Ray have exchanged letters and she has told me how much it means to her to be back in touch with Ray.”

Mr Thornton, who lives in Gallowgate, Richmond, with his wife, Nancy, said: “It was a very dark night, and we could not see much.

“I saw where the plane was headed – it very narrowly missed the castle, and landed in fields just beyond.

“I rushed to the scene, and as I approached I could see a figure being engulfed by flames.

“I couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, or if they were trying to get in or out of the wreckage, but my biggest fear was that the flames would spread to the fuel tank and the plane would blow up.

“I ran to the figure, who turned out to be Peggy trying to rescue the airmen, and hauled her to safety.

“I was only 17 and she was a lot bigger than me, so it was not easy, but I had to get her away. Seconds later the firemen came and put out the fire.”

The crash killed Flight Lieutenant WJ Hunt, and Flight Sergeant H Gysel.

Mr Thornton said that for reasons of national security, the pair were asked by police to keep quiet about the incident.

“I didn’t have the heart to tell the police officer that half the town already knew about it,” he said.

“I was absolutely delighted when Mr Stegeman got in touch, and thrilled to know that Peggy is doing well.

“My memories of that night are still crystal clear, and I’m glad more people will be able to hear the story for themselves.”