Special commemorative badge on offer to anyone who can crack Morse code message
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Would-be code-breakers are being offered the chance to receive a special commemorative badge recalling the wartime ditching of a Wellington bomber in Loch Ness.
The badge, designed to mark the ill-fated flight on Hogmanay 1940, is among a programme of 80th anniversary commemorations organised by the Loch Ness Wellington 2020 Project.
It is offering one to anyone who correctly decodes the Morse message printed in its logo.
Based on the compass used in many RAF bombers early in World War II, the design recalls the ditching of the aircraft after it ran into a snow storm.
One member of the crew, 20-year-old Sgt JS Fensome, was killed when his parachute failed to open.
Seven other members of the RAF aircrew survived to fly another day, though four of them were killed in action before the end of World War II.
A pre-recorded service of dedication at Inverness Cathedral will be available to view on the project’s website on Hogmanay from 3.15pm.
It will also include Marking the Spot, featuring film shot on Loch Ness.
The group is running a crowdfunding campaign to commission a special bronze memorial plaque and film.
Anyone taking part in the competition to win a badge or wanting more details about the anniversary should go to Lochnesswellington2020.org.
Related story: Poignant service recalls Loch Ness wartime bomber crash
