For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Sunday 13 November 2011

Remembrance day walk; Ashdown forest

On the 31st July 1941 a Wellington bomber crashed in the forest killing the six crew.  This walk from Mid Sussex Ramblers visits the memorial at the crash site where there is a memorial gathering on this day each year.

This year the weather was perfect.
The forest was looking great in the Autumn sunshine.


We passed Nutley Post Mill.

There were fine views towards Old Lodge...


... a Lodge with a view!
Hundreds of people converged on the "Airman's grave" from all directions; on foot and on horseback.


This is just a sector of the crowd.

The inscription reads "To the glorious memory of Sgt/P. V.R. Sutton, aged 24 years, 142 Bom. Sqdn RAF also his five comrades who lost their lives through enemy action 31-7-41.  Mother"

After a two minutes silence at 11.00hr, a bugler, words of remembrance and wreath laying a biplane circled the crowd scattering poppy leaves -- a very moving experience.

UPDATE 4th Nov. 2013.  Tony will be leading this walk again in 2013.  Please see www.midsussexramblers.co.uk  and click on the "WALKS programme" button for information

3 comments:

Kas said...

What wonderful photographs from Sunday. We were there very early and being close to the memorial only had a view from within, so it is lovely to see the photos showing the size of the crowd gathered around.

Pam said...

Well done Peter for capturing such great scenes from Sunday Remembrance day. The size of the pictures too are worth keeping and sharing with others.
Fantastic.

Pam
Rambling member

Sussexrambler said...

Thank you Ladies for your very kind comments.
Peter

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