to Salute Two brave Airmen (2)

Johnny, seen here with the stick, tells me that seventy five years ago today the weather had been much the same.  It was bright and sunny with a gentle breeze.

He remembers the day vividly because at this spot in 1940 a Fairey Battle aircraft crashed with the loss of the two crew. A few moments after the aircraft had come down his brother Geoffrey also seen in this picture arrived and both tried, as best they could, to assist.  Old Mrs Mitton came out of the house that then stood in the background, but the brothers sent her away because there was nothing further that could be done.

When one stood at the spot today there is not the slightest sign that this tumultuous event had taken place.  The birds were singing in the nearby bushes and it was very poignant to re-live the events that were recalled so vividly.

Details of the Fairey Battle can be found here

We therefore remember the aircrew:

The pilot was Sergeant Stanislav Osmala (Polish Forces) and the drogue operator was Aircraftsman 2nd class Arthur Sharp.

further details may be found in my anniversary blip of 1st October 2013.