Lake District band’s new single tells story of World War II plane crash

The new single from a local band recounts the story of the night a plane crashed into a Lake District fell during World War II.

The Size have unveiled ‘Halifax’ – a song written about the fateful flight of a Halifax bomber that crashed on Great Carrs in 1944.

This evocative composition pays tribute to the tragic crash of a World War II Halifax bomber which became lost in a blanket of cloud near the peak of Great Carrs, one of the renowned Wainwright fells in the Lake District.

The crew of eight tragically perished, but much of the bomber remains at the crash site which lies between the summits of Swirl How and Great Carrs. 

Nick Barnes, the guitarist of The Size, said he was inspired whilst walking in the Lakes. Since moving to Cumbria in 2018, he has completed all 214 Wainwrights and after coming across the wreckage, paused to write his first draft of the lyrics whilst still on the fell. 

"You can’t help but be moved by this story,’’ said Nick.

‘’With Halifax, we wanted to create a musical narrative that not only pays homage to the fallen heroes but also serves as a reminder of the rich history that surrounds us.”

Recorded at the esteemed King Sound Studio near Carnforth, the song is a mesmerizing blend of melodic storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes, with the band's deep connection to the local area shining through in their heartfelt lyrics, powerful melody and dramatic delivery. 

“The team at King Sound took the time to allow us to capture the essence of the song and bring our vision to life,” says bass player, Michael Baeron.   He adds, “The full 7 minute mix tells the whole story and this is the one we hope people will listen to and take the time to reflect on what the song is about.”

There is a shorter radio edit too.  

Formed in 2022, The Size comprises Nick Barnes (guitarist and singer), Michael Baeron (bass), Sarah Case (lead singer and keyboards) and Peppi Agliolo (drums). The band were recently joined in February by guitarist, Bryan Clarke.  The band have an eclectic style with a diverse range of musical influences across multiple genre’s including pop, rock and funk.

The Size will be performing at Kendal Rocks on Sunday 5th May at The Venue.