Fallen allied aircrews in West Norway

[Lusekofte]

"MEMORIAL TO FALLEN ALLIED AIR CREWS
During World War II, the airspace over Rogaland and the sea offshore became a battleground for allied and German aircraft. Almost daily, allied aircraft flew along the Rogaland coast from airfields in Britain. Young men from four continents and more than 14 nations met in the skies above Rogaland, fighting for air supremacy. It is a sobering thought that young pilots from around the world fought and perished over our coast in the struggle for freedom. The result often amounted to nothing more than a crater on the ground, a body washed ashore, and a brief letter to parents or a loved one awaiting at home. The losses were surprisingly high.
The Military History Association of Rogaland has published nine books related to World War II since 2014. These cover naval warfare, aerial combat, and military operations in the county. While working on "Alarm Start, the Air Battles over Rogaland 194-1945", we compiled lists of destroyed aircraft and killed airmen and aircrew on both sides of the conflict. The numbers surprised us. Over 1,300 young men, German and allied, were killed. More than 190 allied aircraft were shot down, crashed, or went missing in missions over Rogaland, resulting in the loss of nearly 650 men. Just over a hundred of them have a grave in Rogaland today. This means that the vast majority disappeared into the sea, receiving a watery grave.
There are a few memorials commemorating fallen aircrew in Rogaland, but they represent isolated incidents. Therefore, we seek a collective memorial for ALL those who did not receive a grave. The cemetery near Sola Chapel."