Remembering the D Day Landings

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70 years ago there was great preparation in the part of England in which I live for the D Day Landings - the allied invasion of Normandy, France during World War II (6th June).   Military vehicles and service personnel were parked up in the villages ready for the invasion.   70 years ago on the 2nd July an American aircraft flying back from Normandy to England came down in woodland near St. Marks Church in Ampfield, it was not on a combat mission but transporting personnel between bases. Sadly the aircraft developed engine failure and five American air force men from the 50th fighter group lost their lives .












Whilst I was working in the wood with a group that meets once a month to keep it in good order I noticed that the 70th anniversary of this fatal crash was approaching so asked if there could be some sort of act of remembrance around the memorial to the airmen. In a months time there will be a service and I hope to tell you the remarkable story behind this memorial which was erected in 1998.





Someone who attends this particular church asked me if I could make her some earrings and a pendant to match as she had noticed that I was wearing some earrings made with heart shape beads.    She attended a wedding this weekend in France and wore the set. 










Comments

  1. MaureenJune 2, 2014 at 4:12 PM

    Interesting history - two of my uncles were caught up in the D-day invasion, the 6th of June was the 21st birthday of one! - both survived.
    I love the heart earrings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sally KersonJune 3, 2014 at 12:54 AM

      Maureen with the anniversary of this event here is a lot history being told and learning that Canandian and American servicemen were billeted in this area prior to the invasion is most interesting. Your uncles were indeed fortunate to survive.

      Delete
  2. Kathy NiklewiczJune 2, 2014 at 4:37 PM

    DH, who has quite a remarkable knowledge of and interest in WWII, somehow did not know about this incident. He was quite surprised to hear of it. How wonderful that you have a monument and will have a memorial service. These
    anniversaries are a time for reflection and remembrance.

    Wonderful necklace. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that you placed the chain in a heart shape!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sally KersonJune 3, 2014 at 1:02 AM

      Kathy it was not until 1980 that a 16 year old boy discovered parts of this plane, although locals at the time heard that an aircraft had come down in the wood, little else was known. So began a lot of research which led to the mounument in 1998. Well spotted the heart shape

      Delete
  3. Jane McLellanJune 3, 2014 at 7:44 AM

    Goodness, so the plane had been there undiscovered all that time? I'm glad there is a memorial and will be a service. The blue set is very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sally KersonJune 3, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    Yes that is right Jane, although I doubt there was much of the plane left as it probably set on fire, the woodland was also quite dense. A couple of personal artifacts from the airmen were also found - tell you more next time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. linb54June 5, 2014 at 2:35 PM

    very interesting. thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. God's KidJune 10, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    Very beautiful set!!! :)

    ReplyDelete

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