I’m rather late in the day posting, but at 11am, I was thinking about this memorial, we came across it on our canal holiday on the Leeds Liverpool Canal; it was erected in memory of seven Polish airmen who lost their lives when their plane crashed.
The photos were faded, but clear enough to tell their story,
This bride became a widow, after only three weeks of marriage.
In 2007 she unveiled the memorial.
I can’t believe all of this,” said Mrs Stebbing. “I am so very emotional. I had a job to control myself during the service and my legs were shaking. I am so proud of those boys they were very brave and this memorial is a wonderful tribute to them. When Peter came to see me I didn’t imagine a service on such a grand scale.”
November 11, 2010 at 9:31 pm
It was very emotional coming across this memorial beside one of the swing bridges on the canal. I’m more used to finding memorials and wreckage on the hills closer to home on Kinder and Bleaklow where many airmen sadly lost their lives fighting for the freedom we are fortunate enough to enjoy today. http://peakwreckhunters.blogspot.com/
We shall remember them.
November 11, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Thanks for this good post, along with MrUHDD’s comment, for today. xx
Pingback: Tweets that mention Lest We Forget « Uphilldowndale -- Topsy.com
November 12, 2010 at 7:36 am
It’s astonishing that traces of wreckage from the Battle of Britain are still to be found here and there. I’d never thought of that before.
I’ve often thought, though, about how a whole people stood up under intense pressure, and simply would not give in.
November 12, 2010 at 8:18 am
In America, 11 November is called “Veterans’ Day” and we remember all who served/serve, not just those who gave their lives.
“We live in the Land of the Free because of the Brave.”
November 12, 2010 at 3:35 pm
There was a large Polish contingent based very close to here during the war – and a fair number of them married Scots girls and stayed on. I was at school with four pupils who had Polish surnames, and grandfathers who were justifiably proud of their service in the Free Polish Forces.
We will remember them.
November 13, 2010 at 8:14 pm
‘Age shall not wither them nor the years condemn…’
Have you looked at that photo of Mrs Stebbing on the RAF website? She looks almost the same now as she did in 1943 on the day she was married! Amazing. So lovely to see after looking at the aviation wreckage on the fells on that strange peakwreckhunters blog. That lady standing there in her white trouser suit, surviving and thriving, that was what it was all for.
November 20, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I run past the memorial quite often. It is always a good place to stop for a moments reflection and a little rest before the climb up the hill beyond it.
Found your blog via LBF’s. Have enjoyed reading and looking at the great photos
November 21, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Do you run with Keighley and Craven? Brett, Antisocial et al?
November 21, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Yes. We spend a lot of time on our head torch runs running round in circles just above the canal in Bradley. Also cycled with my boys on the stretch of canal further down into lancashire, so the photos were nicely familiar.
We have always thought a canal holiday sounds good. Just need to wait till the youngest is a slightly better swimmer!