The crash of a Malta-bound Viking aircraft in the UK in 1957 has been recalled with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Thirty-four people, nearly all servicemen, died on May 1, 1957 when the twin-engined Eagle Airways aircraft crashed near Yateley in Hampshire. The aircraft, which was on lease to the British army, suffered a failure of one of its engines shortly after take-off from Blackbushe. It crashed and broke into several parts. The victims also included a family with two children.

Only one of the passengers survived.

The BBC highlighted the lucky escape of Hugh Sheppard, a soldier who had been deployed to Malta.

He was meant to come here on a ship with his friend. Their trip was delayed and then a seat became available on the Viking, which was to fly to Libya via Malta.

Sheppard, who had been looking forward to the sea voyage, turned down the offer and his friend, Mike Hemken, took it up instead, and lost his life. 

"I didn't hear about the crash straight away because my posting on the ship came up and that was seven days to get to Malta.

"I wrote to Hemken when I was there and was surprised to have the letter returned as 'not known', Mr Shepprd told the BBC.

"When I made a few inquiries, someone said: 'Didn't you know? I think he was on that plane that crashed on take off.'

"I realised of course it was true, and it's stuck with me in my memory all these years.

Relatives of the victims attended the unveiling of the plaque near the control tower of the airport from where the aircraft took off. 

Staff from the former Eagle Airways also attended the event.

The plaque was paid for through a fund-raising appeal and with a contribution from Hart District Council.

Full story - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15369129