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John
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« on: September 29, 2011, 18:48:49 PM » |
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Extract from a Ministry of Works memo regarding a bomb hitting Battle Abbey. The date of the memo is 11th February 1943, but I can't pinpoint the exact date of the raid. Read it - that was one lucky sentry!
"Bombs were released from a low-flying aeroplane flying down the high street and over Battle Abbey from North to South. One bomb, striking the ground immediately at the Gatehouse entrance archway at an acute angle and with great horizontal velocity, ricocheted past the sentry, carrying away his rifle, and went through the doors. The bomb landed again on the grass in the courtyard, where it broke up without exploding. Some of the stonework of the West jamb of the archway has been broken away by the passage of the bomb.."
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John
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« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2012, 22:14:30 PM » |
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More sketches showing the bomb damage.
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Icare9
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« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2012, 16:43:23 PM » |
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Very interesting! I'd picked up on that incident, but seeing these sketches makes it far more real into the present day.
I understand that Canadian troops were stationed there later in the War; there was some skirmishing when another Home Guard platoon from Ashburnham raided the Canadians. In revenge, the Battle platoon got ambushed in the pub!
There were quite a few downed aircraft both British and German all around the area, especially in 1940; also 2 B26 Marauders collided in mid air very close to Battle, one crashed at Whatlington, witnessed by our now President of the RBL Branch; the other crashed not far from where I now live, in Ashburnham Place.
I've more details should anyone be interested, similarly if anyone has more information about wartime aircraft incidents around Battle.
Cheers
Kevin
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Andy Saunders
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« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2012, 16:57:14 PM » |
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This photo of the abbey gate (1960s I think) shows temporary damage repair to the left of the gate. At least, thats what I always understood. Howevr, not so sure now - looking at the drawings. What does anyone think?
The date of the raid was 2 February 1943. Three Fw 190 aircraft were to attack Roberstbridge, but hit Battle instead.
I think there is a plaque (somewhere) in Battle marking the raid. Anyone know where it is?
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Icare9
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« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2012, 22:13:20 PM » |
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I'll ask around. Two civilians were killed, Tom and Gladys Giles (yes, Andy, they're already on my RoH for WW2)
75 High Street (now Martins the Newsagent) is just a little way from the RBL in 81 High Street.....
So, it seems that damage and loss of life happened elsewhere, not just at the Abbey gates.....
That sentry was doubly lucky then.
Didn't think to check about the anniversary date, just missed it......
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racknruin
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Posts: 3
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« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2012, 19:50:23 PM » |
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There is a plaque on the wall of the Newsagents in memory of the two people killed. Purely by chance I noticed this last week while in Battle, having been past it hundreds of times before without seeing it!
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Andy Saunders
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« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2012, 20:59:59 PM » |
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I go past there once a week at least. Have done for years! Am often in the shop....so WHERE is the plaque?
I'll look next time and take my camera.
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racknruin
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« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2012, 19:42:12 PM » |
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I'm going into Battle tomrorrow - I'll take a pic
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racknruin
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« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2012, 18:24:45 PM » |
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Here it is - on the right hand side of the newsagents:
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Andy Saunders
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« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2012, 18:57:08 PM » |
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Thanks for the pic!
I found it after my last posting. Had walked past it dozens of times a year and never spotted it!
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