The Dakota KK194 Memorial

Located in the peaceful expanse of Glen Forsa, this poignant memorial stands as a tribute to the crew and passengers of RAF Dakota KK194. On February 1, 1945, the aircraft tragically crashed into the slopes of Ben Talaidh during a blizzard while on a ferry flight from Canada to Prestwick. While five men survived thanks to a heroic trek for help and a local rescue effort, three airmen, Flying Officer Frank Bishop, Flying Officer Herbert Ellis, and Squadron Leader Archibald Alderton lost their lives.

The monument itself is a striking piece of living history, featuring one of the aircraft’s original propellers cemented upright into a rugged stone cairn. Unveiled on the 60th anniversary of the crash in 2005, it provides a focal point for remembrance without requiring the strenuous hike to the actual crash site on the mountain peak. A plaque mounted on the cairn details the names of the fallen and the story of the fateful night, honoring both the victims and the resilience of the survivors and rescuers.

Visitors can reach the memorial by following the track through Glen Forsa, situated near the Tomsleibhe bothy. Set against the backdrop of the very mountains that played such a dramatic role in the event, it offers a quiet place for reflection on the sacrifices made during World War II. The site serves as a permanent reminder of the hazards faced by aviation crews and the enduring bond between the island community and those they saved.