A WOMAN is calling for a memorial to honour a Canadian pilot who died when he was forced to make a crash landing on a farm near Launceston during world war two . William James Windeler was born in Ontario, on February 19, 1919, and enlisted into the Royal Canadian Air Force in August 1941. He belonged to 263 Squadron (overseas). Six days before his tragic accident he was stationed in the UK at RAF Harrowbeer. On June 15, 1944, William was flying a Typhoon aircraft on an air test. He had been in the air about 18 minutes, when he informed flight control that he was having engine failure. Within two minutes of the radio transmission the aircraft experienced complete engine failure and William notified them he would have to make a force landing. A witness saw the plane fly over the field at an estimated 1,000 ft. William attempted to land the plane in the largest field, which was full of 2ft high wheat. The aircraft landed at the edge of the field, at Stourscombe Farm in Launceston, but overturned on landing and he died. The time of his death was recorded at 12.20pm and he was buried at noon on June 19 at Brookwood Cemetery, Woking. This year, the 70th anniversary of the accident, he would have been 95. Angie Rankin, who lives at Kensey Parc, formerly Stourscombe Farm, has been touched by his story and feels a memorial should be installed in his honour. She said: "I find it very sad that he lost his life at such a young age and was unable to be returned home to his family. "Also, because of the war, by the time his family was informed of his accident, he had already been buried. As like many poor souls that lost their life for their country, he died abroad and was buried in Surrey without any family member being able to say goodbye. "My hope is to be able to have a memorial for him on the nearby field, so tribute to him can be made and a piece of local history will be forever marked. This sad accident isn't a very well known incident and it would be nice for people to be aware." For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.